Overview
Changes in prolactin and sex steroids can result in dry eye. Features in the older adult overlap with age-related dry eye.
Clinical features:
(1) Both eyes are affected.
(2) Other exocrine sites tend to be affected.
(3) The severity of the dry is mild to moderate.
Causes in a male:
(1) castration
(2) anti-androgenic therapy
(3) conditions associated with an elevated prolactin
(4) age-related decline in testosterone
(5) conditions associated with impaired testicular function
Causes in a female:
(1) bilateral oophorectomy
(2) estrogenic oral contraceptives
(3) lactation
(4) climacteric and post-menopausal state
(5) conditions associated with impaired ovarian function
