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As we age, we are much more likely to suffer from dry eye, even if other common causes of it are not present. Why is that, and what does it mean in terms of treatment?
Dry eye is extremely common as we age, with most people over the age of 65 experiencing some amount of dry eye symptoms, and it is more common among women than men. As with dry eye more generally, age-related dry eye is often mild, but can be more severe and damaging, so it should not be left untreated.
We start aging from the moment we’re born, and experience changes over the course of our lives. Some of these changes, especially the ones which occur as we reach more advanced ages, can lead to dry eye.
The immune system goes through some changes as people age. This includes a decline in immune function.
A common feature of this is chronic, low-grade inflammation, called inflammaging. This is due to an increase of cytokines, which leads to more inflammation. Older people also become more susceptible to autoimmune issues, and are more susceptible to infections.
While the precise mechanics of the aging process are still not fully understood, there are connections which have been made between aging and dry eye.
Inflammation has been found to play a major role in dry eye, and since inflammation throughout the body is more common as we age, it is more likely to lead to conditions like dry eye in older people.
As we age we also become more susceptible to stress, and increased stress on the body can lead to autoimmune responses and inflammation, which can lead to dry eye symptoms.
As people age, the meibomian glands (which produce oil that slows the evaporation rate of tears) become more easily blocked and can start to degenerate. If too little of this oil, or low quality oil, is produced, the tears will evaporate too quickly, leading to dry eyes.
Hormonal changes can also increase the likelihood of dry eye, which is why post-menopausal women are particularly susceptible to dry eye. In fact, about 60 percent of perimenopausal and menopausal women are affected by dry eye syndrome. Additionally, HRT (hormone replacement therapy), which is used by many women to manage their menopausal symptoms, is linked to dry eye.
Several other medications, including some heart medication such as plaquinil, have been found to cause dry eye. Since, due to other health issues like hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes, older people are more likely to require medication, this is more likely to lead to dry eye symptoms for them.
Remedies such as artificial tears, eye drops, and ointments can effectively relieve mild symptoms. However, if your symptoms are more persistent or severe, it is advised to see a doctor.
Humidifiers can be placed in your home to increase the humidity and moisture in the environment. While most people see them as beneficial for the skin and respiratory system, they can help keep your eyes moist as well.
Making sure that you stay hydrated, drinking at least 8 cups of water daily, can help ensure your body keeps your eyes properly moist and avoid symptoms of dry eye.
Everyone is susceptible to dry eye caused by overuse of screens (due to less frequent blinking), and for older people this is even more true. Reducing the amount of time you spend looking at screens, or taking more frequent breaks, can help you avoid dry eye symptoms.
For more severe cases, in-office treatment may be required. Following an examination to determine the cause and severity of your dry eye, the doctor will recommend treatment options.
Our risk of dry eye increases as we age, for a variety of reasons. However, effective treatments remain available for this condition. If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, contact us at Amplify EyeCare Chattanooga to schedule an appointment for an eye exam. Patients with dry eyes visit our clinic from all over Tennessee, and we are proud to be a leading provider of dry eye care for patients from Hixson, Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Middle Valley.
Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.
Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.
Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.
Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.
Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.
He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.
It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.
Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!
Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.
Thank you!
Seems much less frustrated with life
Reads non-stop and fast
Spelling abilities have been hugely improved
Seems much more confident
Thank You!!!
When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!
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