The Connection Between Autoimmune Disease and Dry Eye How Autoimmune Diseases Cause Chronic Dry Eye Many patients are surprised to learn that dry eye disease is often closely connected to autoimmune conditions. In fact, autoimmune disease is one of the most common underlying causes of moderate to severe dry eye disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues. In many cases, this inflammation can affect the glands and