What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eye disease is one of the most under-treated eye problems in India — and Noida's dust, air conditioning, and screen-heavy work make it especially common. But dry eye is not a single disease. It is a final symptom of many different underlying causes, and treatment only works when you identify the right cause.

The 7 main causes we see at our Noida clinic

1. Screen time and reduced blinking

Normally we blink 12–15 times a minute. In front of a screen it drops to 4–6. The tear film evaporates and the surface dries out.

2. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)

The oil-producing glands in the eyelids get blocked. Without oil, tears evaporate too quickly. This is now the single biggest cause of chronic dry eye.

3. Age-related tear reduction

Tear production naturally reduces with age, especially after 50.

4. Hormonal changes

Post-menopausal women, pregnant women and those on hormonal contraception often develop dry eye.

5. Contact lens overuse

Long wear time disrupts the tear film and inflames the ocular surface.

6. Post-LASIK dryness

Temporary or long-term reduction in corneal sensation reduces the reflex tear response.

7. Autoimmune disease

Sjögren's, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can present with severe dry eye — sometimes before the systemic disease is diagnosed.

How we diagnose the exact cause

At Nehchal Eye Centre we assess tear volume (Schirmer's test), tear film stability (TBUT), meibomian gland structure and function, and the health of the corneal surface — and match the treatment to the cause.

Symptoms to watch for

• Burning, gritty or sandy sensation
• Paradoxically watery eyes (reflex tearing)
• Fluctuating or blurry vision that improves with blinking
• Redness by the end of the workday

Book a dry eye evaluation in Noida

Call +91 97115 11001 to book a structured dry eye workup at our Sector 32 clinic.