Guide To Common Eye Problems In Seniors And What To Do About Them

Dry Eyes

Keratoconjunctivitis, also known as dry eyes, can occur at any age, but it is commonly associated with individuals over sixty years old. Dry eyes occur when the eyes do not produce enough tears. Tears are made of water, mucus, and fatty oils, which help keep the surface of the eyes smooth and moist and help ward off infection. When decreased tear production occurs, individuals may experience certain symptoms, such as a burning, stinging, or scratchy feeling in the eyes; a stringy mucus around the eyes; sensitivity to light; eye redness; the feeling that something is constantly in the eyes; difficulty wearing contact lenses; difficulty driving at night; watery eyes; and blurred vision or eye fatigue.

A doctor will recommend a treatment for dry eyes that depends on its cause. The doctor may recommend changing a certain medication, prescribe a new drug, prescribe eye drops or eye inserts that serve as artificial tears, prescribe special contact lenses, or recommend another treatment or procedure.