Uncover the Top Hidden Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome As We Age
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As we age, it becomes increasingly common to experience chronic dry, irritated eyes. This condition is medically known as dry eye syndrome (DES) - and it affects millions of adults over 50. By uncovering the hidden lifestyle, environmental, and health-related causes of DES, we can take proactive steps to find relief.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a very common age-related condition where the eyes do not produce enough quality tears to stay lubricated. Tears are crucial for
maintaining comfort, clear vision, and eye health. As tear quantity and quality declines, it leads to inflammation, irritation, burning, stinging, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and other hallmark dry eye symptoms.
Key Causes of Dry Eyes As We Age
There are many interconnecting reasons why dry, uncomfortable eyes become more prevalent over 50. Here we will unpack the top hidden contributing factors:
Digital Device Use
Staring at screens on phones, tablets, laptops, and TVs is linked with dry eye development. The concentrated visual focus decreases our blink rate and leads to faster tear film evaporation. Blue light exposure may also cause eye surface inflammation and sensitivity. As device use grows ubiquitous in modern life, so do dry eyes.
Medications
Various prescription drugs are associated with ocular dryness as a side effect, like antihistamines, birth control pills, anxiety medications, and diuretics. Always check medication labels for eye-related adverse effects. As we age, we tend to use more long-term medications that accumulate eye irritation over time.
Health Conditions
Systemic inflammatory illnesses common later in life can also contribute, like arthritis, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, vitamin deficiencies, Parkinson's disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancers. Chronic inflammation appears to impair tear gland functioning. Managing the root illness helps minimize associated dry eyes.
Hormonal Shifts
Age and gender-related hormonal changes like menopause and andropause impact tear production and meibomian gland functioning. Declining hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA play regulatory roles in tear composition and oil layer quality.
Poor Nutrition
Diets lacking in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, D, B, zinc, selenium and antioxidants may compromise tear gland health and anti-inflammatory functioning. We often become more deficient in key ocular nutrients with aging digestive changes.
Environmental Factors
Indoor and outdoor irritants like air pollution, smoke, wind, low humidity, and air conditioning can dehydrate eyes over 50+ years of exposure. Regular hydrating eye drops provide a helpful barrier against dryness.
Finding Dry Eye Relief
While we cannot change intrinsic factors like aging, hormones and genetics, we CAN minimize related discomfort through tailored lifestyle upgrades to protect eye health.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a very common age-related condition where the eyes do not produce enough quality tears to stay lubricated. Tears are crucial for
maintaining comfort, clear vision, and eye health. As tear quantity and quality declines, it leads to inflammation, irritation, burning, stinging, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and other hallmark dry eye symptoms.
Key Causes of Dry Eyes As We Age
There are many interconnecting reasons why dry, uncomfortable eyes become more prevalent over 50. Here we will unpack the top hidden contributing factors:
Digital Device Use
Staring at screens on phones, tablets, laptops, and TVs is linked with dry eye development. The concentrated visual focus decreases our blink rate and leads to faster tear film evaporation. Blue light exposure may also cause eye surface inflammation and sensitivity. As device use grows ubiquitous in modern life, so do dry eyes.
Medications
Various prescription drugs are associated with ocular dryness as a side effect, like antihistamines, birth control pills, anxiety medications, and diuretics. Always check medication labels for eye-related adverse effects. As we age, we tend to use more long-term medications that accumulate eye irritation over time.
Health Conditions
Systemic inflammatory illnesses common later in life can also contribute, like arthritis, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, vitamin deficiencies, Parkinson's disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancers. Chronic inflammation appears to impair tear gland functioning. Managing the root illness helps minimize associated dry eyes.
Hormonal Shifts
Age and gender-related hormonal changes like menopause and andropause impact tear production and meibomian gland functioning. Declining hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA play regulatory roles in tear composition and oil layer quality.
Poor Nutrition
Diets lacking in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, D, B, zinc, selenium and antioxidants may compromise tear gland health and anti-inflammatory functioning. We often become more deficient in key ocular nutrients with aging digestive changes.
Environmental Factors
Indoor and outdoor irritants like air pollution, smoke, wind, low humidity, and air conditioning can dehydrate eyes over 50+ years of exposure. Regular hydrating eye drops provide a helpful barrier against dryness.
Finding Dry Eye Relief
While we cannot change intrinsic factors like aging, hormones and genetics, we CAN minimize related discomfort through tailored lifestyle upgrades to protect eye health.