As we age, our bodies undergo inevitable changes, and one often-overlooked challenge that seniors in the United States face is the prevalence of dry eyes. Have you or a beloved senior in your life experienced the growing difficulty of seeing clearly and comfortably?

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a commonly encountered condition that arises due to insufficient tear quantity or inadequate tear quality. Our tears are vital for lubricating our eyes and maintaining moisture and nourishment. They consist of three key components: oil, mucus, and water. Any disruption in these essential elements can lead to an imbalance in the tear film, resulting in decreased tear production and, subsequently, dry eyes. In this blog, we will discuss dry eyes, its impact on seniors, explore potential solutions, and understand how a proper senior home care can play an essential role in maintaining their eye health through their golden years.

Factors that Contribute to Dry Eyes in Seniors

Dry eyes in seniors, also known as age-related dry eye, can result from a combination of factors. Some common causes of dry eyes in seniors include:

1. Aging: One of the most common age-related issues is the gradual reduction in the production of tears. Our eyes rely on a delicate balance of tear production, but as we age, the glands responsible for this process might not work as efficiently as they used to. This can result in insufficient lubrication for the eyes, leading to dryness and discomfort. Thus, this is the most common and a general reason behind your senior’s dry eye issues.
2. Hormonal Changes: For senior women, especially those who have gone through menopause, hormonal shifts can play a significant role in how their eyes feel. Changes in hormones like estrogen can affect the composition of tears, making them less effective at keeping their eyes moist and comfortable.
3. Glaucoma: Some seniors who have glaucoma may experience dry eyes as a side effect of the medications they take to manage their eye condition. These medications, such as beta-blockers, can sometimes disrupt the natural balance of moisture in the eyes.
4. Eye Surgery: Eye surgeries, like Lasik, are wonderful for improving vision, but they can temporarily affect tear production. Seniors who have undergone Lasik surgery in the past when they were teens might face issues with dry eyes due to the surgery.
5. Environmental Factors: Just as the weather affects how our skin feels, environmental factors can affect our eyes. Low humidity, strong winds, or air conditioning and heating systems can all lead to increased evaporation of our tears, leaving the eyes feeling dry.
6. Blinking Problems: Sometimes, your seniors might be engrossed in activities like long hours on the phone or iPad, where they forget to blink as often as they should. Blinking is like a natural moisturizer for our eyes, and when we blink less, our eyes may not get the moisture they need, leading to dryness.
7. Health Conditions: Certain health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic inflammation, can indirectly affect your senior’s eyes. These conditions can make it harder for their bodies to produce tears or keep the tear film stable, which can result in dry eyes.
8. Medications: Some medications come with side effects, and dry eyes can be one of them. Medications like diuretics (used for high blood pressure), beta-blockers (for heart conditions), sleeping pills, anxiety, antidepressant, heartburn, or allergy medications can sometimes reduce the ability to produce tears, just as some medications can make us feel drowsy, or nauseous, as a side effect.
9. Cornea Issues: In some cases, your senior loved one may have pre-existing cornea issues that can make their eye drier. These underlying eye conditions can exacerbate the symptoms of dry eye, making it difficult to manage.

Dry Eyes in the Elderly: Signs and Symptoms

It’s essential for seniors and their caregivers to be aware of these symptoms to seek appropriate care. Common dry eye symptoms in seniors may include:

• Itchiness
• Redness
• Burning Sensation
• Dryness
• Blurry Vision
• Sensitivity to Light
• Eye Fatigue
• Complaining of feeling like a foreign object like sand and grit in the eyes

If your senior experiences any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate management. However, keeping in mind the above factors and symptoms, we have provided a list of suggestions that you and your senior loved one’s home caregiver should take to alleviate the symptoms and improve eye comfort. Ultimately a poor eye can diminish the quality of life for seniors, thus utmost care and attention is a must.

Dry Eye Treatments For Seniors

Here are some helpful treatments to consider for your senior loved one’s dry eyes, as a part of their in-home care routine:

1. Use Lubricating Eye Drops: Over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can provide immediate relief from dryness. They will help keep the eyes moist and comfortable. Make sure to choose preservative-free drops, as they are usually gentler on the eyes.
2. Consider Punctal Plugs: If dry eyes persist, your loved one’s eye doctor may suggest punctal plugs. These tiny devices are inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage, helping to keep their eyes moist by preserving the natural tears.
3. Prescription Medication: Sometimes, regular eye drops may not be enough. In such cases, an eye doctor might suggest special eye medicines. These can reduce any inflammation and help the eyes make more tears.
4. Dietary Supplements: There are healthy snacks recommended for your eye health. Foods like fish and supplements containing Omega-3 fatty acids can help improve the quality of lubrication in their eye. Consult a healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your senior’s diet.
5. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is important not only for overall health but also for maintaining eye moisture. Adequate hydration among seniors can alleviate their dry eye symptoms.
6. Warm Compresses: Applying a warm, moist compress to the closed eyelids of your elderly can help open up the oil glands in the eyelids, which are crucial for maintaining tear film stability. This can improve tear quality for them.
7. Keep Eyes Clean: We recommend regularly cleaning the eyelids with a gentle cleanser or eyelid wipes. This can remove debris and irritants that may contribute to dryness.

The Role of Senior Home Care in Managing Dry Eyes

1. Medication Management: If your senior loved ones take medications that can exacerbate dry eyes. Home caregivers can help your loved ones adhere to their medication schedules, ensuring they are taken as prescribed.
2. Hydration and Nutrition: As we said, adequate hydration and a balanced diet can play a significant role in managing dry eyes. In-house caregivers can ensure that seniors are drinking enough water and consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Eye Drop Assistance: Applying lubricating eye drops can be challenging for seniors with dexterity issues. Elderly caregivers can provide required assistance in administering these drops regularly, as recommended by their eye care professionals.
4. Environmental Modifications: Home caregivers can help optimize the living environment for seniors with dry eyes. This includes controlling indoor humidity, reducing exposure to irritants like smoke, and ensuring proper ventilation.
5. Monitoring and Communication: Seniors often require vigilant monitoring to ensure their eye health is not deteriorating further. Caregivers can help seniors keep track of their symptoms and communicate effectively with healthcare providers for timely interventions.

We at Assisting Hands Home Care offer comprehensive in-home care services for individuals dealing with various health conditions, including arthritis, dementia, and even dry eyes. We are proudly serving Hollywood and the surrounding areas in Broward County, Florida, and are here to provide the exceptional care and support your loved ones deserve. Contact us at (954) 859-2271 to learn more.