Abstract: The high altitude, low humidity, hypoxia, and strong ultraviolet rays in the plateau environment are risk factors for inducing dry eye. The combination of low pressure and humidity increases the rate of tear evaporation and decreases tear film stability. Additionally, the strong winds and sand cause inflammatory changes on the ocular surface while hypoxia can lead to corneal oedema. Moreover, ultraviolet rays destabilize the tear film and increase the evaporation of tears. All these environmental factors prevalent in highland areas can cause dry eye by either damaging the tear film or raising the rate of tear evaporation. (Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2023, 47:  553-557)

Key words: high altitude, dry eye, tears