Several factors can increase the risk of dry eyes, such as:

• Smoking – Beside dry eyes, smoking has been associated with severe eye problems, such as cataracts, uveitis, and macular degeneration;
• Health conditions – Certain systemic diseases including thyroid-related diseases, diabetes, lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis – contribute to DED;
• Medications – Many prescription and nonprescription medicaments – including antidepressants, antihistamines, birth control pills, and certain blood pressure medications raise the risk of dry eye syndrome;
• Eyelid issues – Uncompleted closure of the eyelids when sleeping or blinking — a condition called lagophthalmos, triggered by aging or manifest after cosmetic blepharoplasty or other factors – can cause a serious condition that can produce a corneal ulcer if left untreated.
• Age – It can occur at any age, but it becomes hugely more common later in life, particularly after age 50;
• Menopause – Post-menopausal women are at higher risk of this disease than men of the same age;
• Extensive work on computer – When working at PC or using a smartphone or other smart device, you tend to blink your eyes less frequently and less fully, which leads to increased tear evaporation and a higher risk of this syndrome;
• Contact lens – Though it may be challenging to pinpoint the exact extent that contact lens wear contributes to these problems, DED is a primary reason why people discontinue contact lens wear;
• Outdoor environment – Arid regions and windy or dry conditions enhance eye’s dryness possibility;
• Indoor environment – AC, forced air heating systems, and ceiling fans can reduce indoor humidity and/or speed up tear evaporation, inducing dry eye symptoms;
• Frequent flying – The air in the airplanes' cabins is extremely dry and can minimize dryness issues, particularly amongst frequent flyers.