At Cockeysville Opticians and Eyecare, many patients visit Dr. Stephen Flemke wondering why their dry eye symptoms have worsened over time. One patient shared how they used to wear contacts comfortably but now struggle with constant dryness, irritation, and blurry vision. This is a common issue as tear production naturally declines with age, making dry eye more prevalent.
The good news is that advancements in medical technology have made dry eye diagnosis and treatment faster, easier, and more effective than ever. With cutting-edge testing and innovative treatments like InflammaDry, LipiFlow, TearLab, and Lumecca-I IPL, Dr. Flemke and his team can help patients find long-term relief from dry eye.
Why Does Dry Eye Get Worse With Age?
Aging affects the quantity and quality of tears, leading to increased dryness, irritation, and discomfort. Several key factors contribute to worsening dry eye symptoms over time:
1. Reduced Tear Production
- The lacrimal glands become less efficient, producing fewer tears as we age.
- This leads to chronic dryness and irritation, especially in older adults.
2. Changes in Tear Composition
- Tears are made up of water, oil, and mucus, all of which work together to keep the eyes hydrated.
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) becomes more common with age, reducing the oily layer of tears and leading to faster tear evaporation.
3. Hormonal Changes
- Menopause and aging-related hormonal shifts significantly affect tear production.
- Women over 50 are at higher risk for dry eye syndrome due to reduced estrogen levels.
4. Medications & Health Conditions
Many common medications can contribute to dry eye, including:
- Antihistamines
- Blood pressure medications
- Antidepressants
- Diuretics
Health conditions like diabetes and autoimmune diseases also increase the risk of dry eye.
5. Environmental & Lifestyle Factors
- Increased screen time reduces blinking, leading to tear evaporation.
- Air conditioning, heating, and pollution dry out the eyes.
- Less time spent outdoors and lower physical activity can contribute to eye fatigue and dryness.
How to Slow the Effects of Aging on Dry Eye
While aging-related dry eye cannot be completely reversed, proper care and advanced treatment options can slow the effects and improve eye comfort.
1. Advanced Dry Eye Testing at Cockeysville Opticians and Eyecare
Dr. Stephen Flemke and his team use the latest dry eye diagnostic technology to assess tear quality and inflammation, ensuring the most effective treatment plan.
- InflammaDry – A quick and accurate test that detects elevated inflammation levels in the tears, helping diagnose dry eye severity.
- TearLab Osmolarity Testing – Measures tear composition to determine if tears are too salty, a key sign of dry eye.
2. LipiFlow Treatment for Long-Term Relief
- LipiFlow is a breakthrough treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a leading cause of dry eye.
- It applies gentle heat and massage to the eyelids, unclogging blocked glands and restoring the eye’s natural oil layer.
- Most patients see lasting improvement in tear stability and moisture levels after treatment.
3. Lumecca-I IPL Therapy for Dry Eye Relief
Lumecca-I Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive treatment designed to:
- Target inflammation and improve meibomian gland function, essential for tear production.
- Reduce redness and irritation associated with dry eye syndrome.
- Enhance overall ocular health and eye comfort.
This clinically proven IPL treatment restores proper tear film function, providing long-term relief for dry eye symptoms.
4. Hydration & Nutrition for Tear Health
- Drink more water to maintain hydration.
- Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts) to support healthy tear production.
- Eat vitamin A-rich foods (carrots, leafy greens) for overall eye health.
5. Lifestyle Adjustments for Dry Eye Relief
- Use a humidifier to maintain proper indoor moisture levels.
- Blink more frequently, especially during screen time, to prevent tear evaporation.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect against wind and sun exposure
6. Use Preservative-Free Artificial Tears
- Lubricating eye drops help replenish moisture and reduce irritation.
- Lipid-based eye drops improve tear film stability, preventing rapid evaporation.
Find Long-Term Dry Eye Relief in Cockeysville, MD
If aging is making your dry eye symptoms worse, early intervention can help slow the effects and restore long-term eye comfort. At Cockeysville Opticians and Eyecare, we provide personalized dry eye solutions to fit your needs. Schedule an appointment and take control of your eye health.