Tears aren’t just for moisture—they’re the eye’s first line of defense. Without enough of them, your risk of eye infections skyrockets.
Tears as Immune Defense
Normal tear film contains antimicrobial proteins (like lysozyme, lactoferrin, and immunoglobulins) that protect the ocular surface. Dry eye disrupts this balance, allowing pathogens to multiply.
Clinical Evidence
The British Journal of Ophthalmology reports that dry eye patients have a significantly higher risk of infectious keratitis due to compromised epithelial barriers and reduced immune defense (Stapleton et al., 2017). A separate NIH study confirms that tear deficiency impairs immune surveillance, making the conjunctiva and cornea more vulnerable to bacterial and viral pathogens.
Common Infections Linked to Dry Eye
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Bacterial conjunctivitis
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Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
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Infectious keratitis
Risk Factors That Worsen Susceptibility
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Contact lens use
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Autoimmune disorders (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome)
- Poor eyelid hygiene