One of the most common reasons for dryness is simply the normal aging process. This is more pronounced in women, who tend to have drier skin then men. The oil deficiency also affects the tear film. Without as much oil to seal the watery layer, the tear film evaporates much faster, leaving dry areas on the cornea. Many other factors, such as hot, dry or windy climates, high altitudes, air-conditioning and cigarette smoke also cause dry eyes.
Many people also find their eyes become irritated when reading or working on a computer.
Stopping periodically to rest and blink keeps the eyes more comfortable. Contact lens wearers may also suffer from dryness because the contacts absorb the tear film, causing proteins to form on the surface of the lens. Certain medications, thyroid conditions, vitamin A deficiency, and diseases such as Parkinson s and Sjogren s can also cause dryness. Women frequently experience problems with dry eyes as they enter menopause because of hormonal changes. There are several methods to test for dry eyes.