People tend to make fewer tears as they get older due to hormonal changes. Both men and women can get dry eye. However, it is more common in women—especially those who have gone through menopause.

Here are some other causes of dry eye.

*Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, thyroid disease, and lupus
*Blepharitis (when eyelids are swollen or red)
*Entropion (when eyelids turn in); ectropion (eyelids turn outward)
*Being in smoke, wind or a very dry climate
*Looking at a computer screen for a long time, reading and other activities that reduce blinking
*Using contact lenses for a long time
*Taking certain medicines, such as:
-Diuretics (water pills) for high blood pressure
-Beta-blockers, for heart problems or high blood pressure
-Allergy and cold medicines (antihistamines)
-Sleeping pills
-Anxiety and antidepressant medicines
-Heartburn medicines