Tear production plays a major role in your eye health. It keeps your eyes lubricated, clear, and protected. Over time, natural changes occur in the eyes and their surrounding structures. This can impact how well your tears work. Some people notice dryness or excessive tearing. These changes can have a serious impact on your daily life and overall eye health. Understanding what signs to look out for is important. Below you will find more information on how aging affects tear production and eye health.
How Aging Affects Tear Production and Eye Health
Aging has an impact on your eye health. It can influence your tear film, eyelid function, and drainage system. These changes often happen gradually. However, there are signs to look out for as early intervention is key. Tearing treatment can address the issues and ensure your long-term eye health stays in good shape.
Decreased Tear Production
The natural aging process causes changes in tear production. The glands that produce tears may become less active. This reduces the amount of moisture on the surface of the eye. When the tear film thins, the eyes can feel gritty or irritated. In severe cases, it can cause blurred vision. Only blinking can address the issue, which is temporary.
Alternatively, dryness can trigger reflex tearing. This causes the eyes to water much more than usual. This can also cause vision issues and make daily tasks extremely difficult. The combination of dryness and excess tearing can be a vicious cycle. Treatment is necessary to combat the problem.
Changes in Tear Quality
Tears are made of several different substances. This includes oil, water, and mucus. Each layer plays a key role in protecting the eyes and keeping them smooth. The natural aging process leads to changes in tear quality. Oil production tends to slow down, which means tears evaporate much more quickly.
Poor tear quality leads to dryness, burning, and sensitivity. It can be very difficult to be in environments that are windy or have air conditioning. Poor tear quality also causes redness and inflammation. The amount and quality of your tears have a major impact on your vision and long-term eye health.
Structural Eyelid Changes
The eyelids are essential when it comes to supporting overall eye function. They help spread tears evenly across the eye. However, structural changes to the eyelids can cause issues. Aging causes the skin and muscles around the eyes to loosen. This can make it much more difficult to blink and close the eyes properly. Parts of the eyes are left exposed, which can lead to unwanted issues.
Loose eyelids impact tear drainage. This can cause your tears to spill over onto your cheeks. It can also lead to dry eyes because part of the eye is exposed to air. When the structural aspects of the eyes change, the tear system cannot work properly. An evaluation by an eyelid surgeon is necessary to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Tear Drainage Blocks
The tear drainage system relies heavily on the small openings in the eyelids. They are responsible for carrying tears into the nose. As you get older, these openings can narrow or become blocked. These issues can be exacerbated by scar tissue, inflammation, or other structural changes.
When tears cannot drain properly, they can build up on the surface of the eye. This can lead to overflow onto the cheeks. This leads to further issues, including skin irritation and blurred vision. This can make daily activities, such as reading or driving, extremely difficult. Blocked tear ducts impact older adults much more often.
Tearing Treatment
If you struggle with tear issues, it is important to consult with a skilled ophthalmic surgeon. They can evaluate the issue and determine the right course of action. The type of treatment that is right for you depends on the exact cause and symptoms. The first step in moving forward with treatment is scheduling a consultation.
During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your eyes. Be sure to share your symptoms. This includes when they started, their severity, and how often they occur. They are specifically looking at the eyelids, tear ducts, and surrounding tissues. There are several effective tear duct and eyelid repair procedures to address the root cause. If you have experienced symptoms for more than two weeks, contact a professional right away for evaluation.
Top Eyelid Surgeon
Issues with your tear production and eye health can impact your daily life. If you need support, contact the team at Jeffrey Joseph Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation!