Avoid dry eyes and reduction in tear production as you age with these home strategies

Causes of dry eyes: One of the lesser-known effects of ageing is reduced tear production, leading to dry eyes. This condition is common in older adults and can significantly impact quality of life

Tears maintain eye health, clear vision, and express emotions. There are three types: reflex tears remove irritants, emotional tears respond to feelings and may contain extra hormones, and basal tears continuously lubricate and protect the cornea.

One of the lesser-known effects of ageing is reduced tear production, leading to dry eyes. This condition is common in older adults and can significantly impact quality of life, making it important to prioritise ocular health.

As you age, basal tear production diminishes, causing dryness, discomfort, redness, and vision problems. Dry eyes can also lead to blepharitis, an eyelid inflammation causing irritation and swelling, creating a cycle of discomfort.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, several factors contribute to dry eyes as we age, including hormonal changes in women during pregnancy and menopause, contact lens use, certain medications, and prolonged screen time. These disrupt the tear film's normal function, leading to dryness and irritation.

While seeing an ophthalmologist is crucial when you experience dry eyes, there are simple steps you can take to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

Here are six effective strategies to keep your eyes moist and comfortable as you age:

Use artificial tears: Consult with your doctor and use artificial tears. Over-the-counter artificial tear solutions can help lubricate the eyes and provide relief from dryness. It's important to choose preservative-free options to avoid irritation from frequent use.

Increase humidity: Using a humidifier in your home can add moisture to the air, which helps prevent your eyes from drying out, especially during the winter months or in air-conditioned environments.

Take frequent breaks from screens: Sounds line a difficult task? Yet it is important. Follow the 20-20-20 rule. It is beneficial for you eye health. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This practice reduces eye strain and helps maintain natural tear production.

Stay hydrated, eat healthy: Stay hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your body and eyes hydrated. Additionally, eat a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, as omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that can improve tear film quality.

Maintain eyelid hygiene: Gently cleaning your eyelids with a warm, damp cloth can help manage blepharitis and reduce symptoms of dry eye. You could also try special eyelid cleansers for this.

Use sunglasses: Sunglasses that block out wind and UV light can help reduce tear evaporation and protect your eyes from environmental irritants.