Alternate Names: Hyposecretion of tear glands; Tearing - decreased

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

Home Care: Artificial tears are available over-the-counter or by prescription in either drops or ointment.

Call If:

• decreased tearing is significant, prolonged, or associated with other unexplained symptoms.

What To Expect: The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination, including an eye examination, will be performed.

Medical history questions documenting decreased tearing in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • How long have you had decreased tearing?
  • Is it constant?
  • Does it only occur at certain times or in certain places?
• quality
  • Does it affect vision?
  • Does it cause pain?
  • Do the eyelids close easily?
  • Has drainage from eyes or nose been noticed?
• location
  • Does it involve both eyes?
• aggravating factors
  • What makes it worse?
  • What medications are being taken?
  • Has there ever been surgery or an injury to the eyes or nose?
  • Does it seem to be related to exposure to wind, dust, chemicals, sun, or light?
  • Are there any allergies?
  • Are cosmetics used (eye make-up, face lotions, astringents)?
• relieving factors
  • Does anything help relieve it?
  • Have artificial tears been used?
• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?

• culture and sensitivity testing of tear specimen
• Schirmer’s test