What can contribute to dry eye syndrome?

The correct choice highlights the significant role that environmental factors and prolonged screen use play in the development of dry eye syndrome. This condition occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort and vision issues.

Environmental factors include dry air, smoke, air conditioning, and high altitudes, all of which can reduce tear production or increase evaporation. Prolonged screen use can also contribute to dry eye syndrome because people tend to blink less frequently when focused on a screen, resulting in less lubrication for the eyes. This combination of factors can lead to an increased incidence of dry eye symptoms.

The other options do touch upon elements that can affect eye health but do not adequately encompass the broader causes of dry eye syndrome as effectively as the chosen answer. Aging is a factor but is not the only contributor; excessive blinking is generally the opposite of what leads to dry eyes, and while wearing contact lenses can affect eye moisture, it is not the sole reason for the condition. Hence, the comprehensive nature of environmental influences alongside screen time solidifies the correctness of the selected answer.