Dry Eye Syndrome for Older Adults: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Dry eye syndrome is a common problem in adults over 40. Your eyes do not make enough tears, or the tears dry up too fast. This can cause discomfort and blurry vision.

Left untreated, it can harm the surface of the eye. At Hindsight Eye Care in The Villages, Florida, we help patients find relief.

Doctors also call it keratoconjunctivitis sicca. This guide covers the causes, symptoms and treatments for older adults.

Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome in Older Adults

Six things make dry eye syndrome more likely with age.

1. Fewer tears: With age, our tear glands may make fewer tears.

2. Hormone changes: Hormone shifts, especially after menopause, can change tear production.

3. Medicines: Many common medicines, such as those for high blood pressure or arthritis, can dry the eyes.

4. Environment: Florida sun and air conditioning can make tears evaporate faster.

5. Screen time: Using devices often means blinking less, which tires and dries the eyes.

6. Health conditions: Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid problems can raise the risk.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

Common symptoms include:

• A stinging or burning feeling

• A gritty feeling, as if something is in your eye

• Redness and irritation

• Blurry vision, especially when you read or use a computer

• Trouble wearing contact lenses

• Watery eyes, because the eyes try to make up for dryness

• Sensitivity to light

If you have these symptoms, schedule an eye exam with an optometrist at Hindsight Eye Care for a proper diagnosis.

How Dry Eye Syndrome Is Diagnosed

During your exam, our optometrists may use several tests.

1. Complete eye exam: We talk about your symptoms and health history.

2. Tear film check: We look at the amount and quality of your tears.

3. Schirmer’s test: This measures how many tears you make.

4. Tear osmolarity test: This checks what your tears are made of.

5. Corneal staining: Special dyes show any damage on the surface of your eye.

The results show how severe the problem is and guide our treatment advice.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on your needs. Options include:

1. Artificial tears: Over-the-counter drops give short-term relief.

2. Prescription drops: Medicines such as Restasis or Xiidra can help your eyes make more tears.

3. Punctal plugs: These tiny devices block tear drainage so your eyes stay moist.

4. Lifestyle changes: A humidifier and regular screen breaks can help.

5. Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids may help tear quality, but research is mixed. Ask your doctor first.

6. Advanced care: For severe cases, treatments such as intense pulsed light therapy or autologous serum tears may be options. Your eye doctor can tell you if you are a candidate.

For a full guide, see our page on dry eye treatment.

How to Prevent Dryness

These habits help prevent or ease dryness.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Wear protective eyewear outdoors.

• Take screen breaks and follow the 20-20-20 rule.

• Eat a healthy diet with omega-3 fatty acids.

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.

• Use a humidifier at home, especially in air-conditioned rooms.

Our complete eye exam checks for dry eye. It also screens for other age-related conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.

Living With Dry Eyes in The Villages

Golf, swimming and long days outside can make dry eye symptoms worse. Try these tips.

• Wear wraparound sunglasses when you golf or play outside.

• Use preservative-free artificial tears before and after swimming.

• Try a desktop humidifier if you spend time in air conditioning.

• Stay hydrated, especially when you are active.

Newer Tools for Dry Eye

Some practices use newer technology to find and treat dry eye. Examples include:

1. LipiFlow: This FDA-approved device uses heat and pressure to unclog blocked meibomian glands. These glands make the oil in your tears.

2. TearLab Osmolarity System: This tool measures how salty your tears are, which helps guide treatment.

3. Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy: IPL started in skin care. Early results show it may help dry eye by improving how the meibomian glands work.

Ask our team which of these are available to you.

Eyewear and Dry Eye Syndrome

If you wear glasses or contacts, dryness needs extra care.

• Eyeglasses: Lenses with an anti-reflective coating cut glare and strain. Photochromic lenses darken in sunlight, so they add comfort outdoors. See our page on eyeglass lenses.
• Contact lenses: Daily disposable lenses can feel better for dry eyes. Specialty lenses made for dry eye are also an option. Read about contact lenses.

During your exam, we can help you pick eyewear that works with your treatment plan.

How Dry Eye Syndrome Affects Daily Life

Dry eye syndrome can affect many daily activities. Our patients in The Villages often tell us about:

• Trouble reading or using a computer for long periods

• Discomfort when watching TV or movies

• Hard night driving because of glare

• Less enjoyment of outdoor activities

Treating the dryness can make these easier.

Dry Eyes and Other Eye Conditions

Dry eye can occur with other eye problems and even hide them, so a full exam matters. Related conditions include:

• Blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelids

• Meibomian gland dysfunction

• Allergic conjunctivitis

• Ocular rosacea

Our optometrists can tell these conditions apart and suggest the right care.

Find Relief Today

Dry eye syndrome is common among older adults. A proper diagnosis is the first step toward relief.

If you have symptoms, or your yearly exam is due, contact Hindsight Eye Care or call (352) 399-5412. You may also like our page on eyeglasses for comfort and style.