Blinking helps to spread tears across the surface of the eye and lubricate the surface. Any decrease in blinking will cause symptoms of dry eyes. Tear production decreases with aging. Contact lenses can dramatically increase tear evaporation. Dry eyes are the leading cause of contact lens discomfort.
Some medications decrease the bodies ability to produce lubricating tears.
These include decongestants, antihistamines, diuretics and many other allopathic medications. Symptoms include burning, itching, watering, dryness and redness of the eyes. These symptoms are worse late in the day. Other common symptoms are blurred and fluctuating vision and difficulty reading. Deficiency of vitamin A has been shown to contribute to dry eyes.