Decreased tearing

Alternative names:

hyposecretion of tear glands; tearing, decreased

Definition:

Uncomfortably dry eye(s).

Considerations:

Tears are necessary for the normal lubrication of the eye and to wash away particles and foreign bodies. Dry eyes are caused by a lack of tears which may be a result of an underlying disease, or a side effect of medication. Dry eyes may also occur from the abnormal drainage of tears onto the face.

Some decrease in tearing is normal with aging.

Common causes:

• aging, normally causes some decrease in tearing
• vitamin A deficiency, can also cause poor night vision
• eye trauma or injury to the eye(s)--(see eye emergency)
• drugs including any anticholinergic drug, atropine, cyclopentolate, scopolamine, tropicamide
• Sjogren's syndrome

Note: There may be other causes of dry eyes. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for dry eyes, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.