Aging: A Predisposition to Dry Eyes

Abstract

Dry eye syndrome is a disease of the ocular surface and tear film that is prevalent in older adults. Even though the degree of visual acuity loss in dry eye patients is commonly mild-to-moderate, in the aging population, this minimal change in visual status can lead to a significant decrease in visual function and quality of life. A healthy ocular surface is maintained by appropriate tear production and tear drainage, and deficiencies in this delicate balance can lead to dryness. In the aging eye, risk factors such as polypharmacy, androgen deficiency, decreased blink rates, and oxidative stress can predispose the patient to developing dry eye that is frequently more severe, has higher economic costs, and leads to worse consequences to the well-being of the patient. Understanding why elderly patients are at higher risk for developing dry eyes can provide insights into the diagnosis and management of the growing number of older adults struggling with dry eye and minimize the burden of disease on our aging population.

Association of quality of life of urban elderly with socio-demographic factors

“…In another study conducted by Lokare et al, they found that QOL was significantly better among young people. [4] This finding is corroborated with the finding of a study done by Lahariya et al [5,6] As the age advances, the health related problems become more common to a person. Gradually and gradually the power to work decreases and people are more confined to his/her own house.…”

Ocular Toxicity of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

“…Normal tear production creates about 10–15 mm of wetness on each paper strip. Older adult patients may wet only about 10 mm because hypolacrimation occurs with aging (Sharma & Hindman, 2014). A value of less than 5 mm is suggestive of a dry eye state.…”

Results of a Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Visomitin Eye Drops in Patients with Dry Eye Syndrome

“…Increased osmolarity of the tear film can lead to morphological changes in the cornea and conjunctiva; activation of the inflammatory cascade can induce apoptotic cell death in the corneal epithelium and reduce the number of conjunctival goblet cells [2, 3]. Prevalence of DES increases with age, significantly affecting the quality of life of senior patients [1, 4, 5]. Artificial tear treatment that is typically used to alleviate DES symptoms does not target the cause of the disease.…”