Did you know that as you age, your eyes change? The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that the risk of older adults getting dry eye syndrome increases every five years after age 50. This syndrome affects your ability to drive, use a computer, and read.
Age-related changes in environmental factors, hormonal fluctuations, and tear glands contribute to the severity and prevalence of dry eyes among seniors in Marysville, California. Dry eye syndrome can cause vision problems and corneal damage if left untreated.
Read on to understand how dry eye vision loss affects seniors and ways to support long-term eye health naturally.
Dry eye syndrome is a common eye problem where the eyes can't produce enough tears or when tears evaporate quickly. Tears help in maintaining the comfort and health of your eyes. They offer protection, nourishment, and lubrication to the cornea and tissues.
Some common dry eye symptoms include the following:
Untreated dry eyes can cause severe damage to the cornea, corneal abrasions, and other severe health complications. Older adults in assisted living communities in Marysville, CA, should consult an eye doctor to get the proper treatment for dry eye syndrome.
There is a significant connection between dry eye syndrome and aging. Certain factors related to the aging process can cause older adults to produce fewer tears. Some of these factors include the following:
Women undergoing menopause experience hormonal changes that affect the quality and quantity of tears their eyes produce. Menopause leads to decreased levels of estrogen, which affects tear production and reduces their ability to protect the eyes and keep them moist.
Seniors in Marbella Marysville Senior Living Community take multiple medications for different medical conditions. Some of these medicines include:
These drugs can cause dry eye vision loss as a side effect or may worsen existing dry eye symptoms.
Your eyes produce fewer tears as you age. This is because lacrimal glands, responsible for tear production, become less efficient and produce reduced quantity and quality of tears. Reduced tear production leads to insufficient eye lubrication, which causes discomfort and dryness.
Most seniors have underlying health conditions that increase their risk of getting dry eye syndrome. These medical conditions include thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes.
In Marysville, CA, older individuals are vulnerable to certain environmental factors that can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. These factors include heating or air conditioning systems and exposure to windy or dry weather conditions.
Seniors tend to have incomplete blinks or blink less regularly. Reduced blinking can result from underlying medical conditions or age-related muscle weakness. Blinking changes in older adults contribute to dry eye symptoms and increased tear evaporation.
Additionally, most older individuals spend most of their time using digital devices such as smartphones and computers. Extended screen time leads to lower blink rates that can worsen the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
To reduce eye dryness and manage the symptoms, seniors should find ways to improve eye comfort and hydration. Medical treatments and artificial tears provide relief and vision protection. However, most people prefer natural remedies to assist with dry eye symptoms.
Below are some natural ways that older individuals in Marbella Marysville Senior Living Community can relieve dry eye syndrome:
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory factors that assist in eye moisture balance and tear production. Food rich in omega-3, like chia seeds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and salmon, can improve dry eye syndrome significantly.
Moreover, high-quality omega-3 supplements can be beneficial in cases where dietary intake is insufficient.
Applying warm compresses can provide efficient relief for dry eye syndrome. Place a moist, warm cloth on your eyelids for around ten minutes twice daily. Then, massage your eyes gently to stabilize the tear film, enhance oil flow to the eyes, and improve the functioning of the oil gland.
The compress you use should be at an ideal temperature; using a hot compress can damage the skin surrounding your eyes.
Diet plays a vital role in senior eye health. Incorporating healthy nutrients into your diet can reduce inflammation and support tear production. Some of the best nutrients and foods for dry eye relief include the following:
Seniors should reduce their time staring at screens to ensure vision protection. The 20-20-20 rule entails looking at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds, which can enhance blinking and help with dry eye symptoms.
Furthermore, drinking at least eight glasses of water daily can assist older adults in producing adequate tears.
Dry eye vision loss is common in older adults living in Marysville, CA. Factors like hormonal changes and underlying health conditions can worsen dry eye symptoms. Natural ways to manage dry eye, like lifestyle changes, nutrition, and eye care, can provide long-lasting relief.
Marbella Marysville Senior Living Community provides home-style meals and special diets for residents with diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension using fresh and nutritious ingredients. We have a registered dietitian that guarantees the nutritional quality of every meal.
Contact us today for an enhanced quality of life after retirement.