Internal risk factors for dry eyes lie inside the body and affect the health of the organs that produce tear fluid or distribute it into a stable thin tear film.
The production of tears occurs through the various glands whereas the spreading of the tear film is the job of the eyelids.
Advanced age, hormones and chronic disease belong to the most important internal risk factors => here is a short overview of risk factors for dry eyes
Important internal risk factors are:
Advanced age reduces the activity of all organs - and it also affects the eye
Endocrine Hormones play an important role - dry eyes are generally more common in women.
Chronic systemic diseases, such as rheumatic diseases, chronic inflammation, skin diseases and several other conditions can affect the eye
Various medications can also cause dry eyes, especially if they are taken frequently in chronic diseases. You can find out more about this from your ophthalmologist or your pharmacist.
Advanced age, hormonal changes and some skin diseases favor, for example, obstruction of the numerous small oil glands (meibomian glands) in the eyelids - this is the main factor for dry eyes.