According to UCLA Health, around 3 million new cases of dry eye syndrome occur each year. This is a condition that can happen to people of all ages, but the reality is that the older you get, the more likely you’ll develop it.
You may be getting to an age where ailments are popping up every day, and recently, it’s dry eyes. You’re wondering why it’s happening to you and what you can do to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms.
Read on to find out why dry eye is common in seniors and what solutions are available, including dry eye vitamins.
Why Is Dry Eye Common in Seniors?
You may only notice your tear ducts when you cry, but the fact is, they’re constantly at work. By producing tears regularly, they help lubricate your eyeballs and keep pathogens out.
Unfortunately, as we age, tear production declines naturally. Also, the composition of your tears may change.
Another factor is medical conditions and their associated medications. They often increase the risk of dry eyes.
Other causes include:
- Chronic inflammation or autoimmune disorders
- Environmental factors (like dry indoor air)
- Hormonal changes (especially in postmenopausal women)
Key Dry Eye Vitamins to Try
Dry eyes can be uncomfortable to deal with. But not only that, you may have to deal with blurry vision, eye fatigue, and even damage to the corneal surface if you don’t treat this condition.
The good news is that you can use natural eye remedies to try and alleviate symptoms. Here are the key dry eye vitamins to take.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are known to reduce inflammation in the body. By that logic, they can also have this effect on your eye’s tear glands.
In addition, omega-3s can improve the quality of meibum (the oily layer of your tears). As a result, they’ll evaporate more slowly, and your eyes won’t be as dry.
You can get omega-3s from:
- Fish oil supplements
- Flaxseed oil (plant-based)
- Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for maintaining the health of the corneal surface. It also supports the mucous layer of the tear film.
You’ll know you’re deficient in vitamin A if you experience the following:
- Night blindness
- Dryness
- Corneal ulcers
To combat these things and to practice better senior eye care, take:
- Retinol
- Beta-carotene (plant-based)
- Liver
- Eggs
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
Do note that it’s possible to over-supplement yourself. So always follow the directions on the label.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D can support immune system balance, as well as help reduce inflammation. The lower your vitamin D levels, the more severe your symptoms will be.
To make up for a deficiency, get this vitamin from the following sources:
- Sunlight
- Fortified dairy and cereals
- Vitamin D3 supplements
Vitamin C
You may already know about vitamin C (ascorbic acid) since it’s in orange juice and milk. It’s an antioxidant that can boost blood vessel health and reduce oxidative stress.
In addition to supplements, you can get vitamin C from:
- Citrus fruits
- Strawberries
- Bell peppers
What’s great is that there’s the bonus benefit of increased collagen production. Not only does that result in healthier eye tissues, but it also strengthens the immune system.
Vitamin E
Looking for more antioxidants? Then grab yourself some vitamin E. This is a powerful vitamin that can protect your eye tissues from free radical damage.
You can purchase vitamin E in supplemental tocopherol forms. As for food, eat these:
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Vegetable oils
Zinc
Zinc plays a critical role in your body. It transports vitamin A from the liver to the retina. There, it produces melanin, which is a protective pigment.
You can get your daily requirement of zinc by eating:
- Shellfish
- Red meat
- Fortified cereals
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids. They protect the retina, and they may help stabilize tear film quality, too. This is thanks to their antioxidant properties.
An extra advantage of these dry eye vitamins is that they support macular health, which is important for preventing age-related vision loss.
How to Choose the Right Supplements for Dry Eyes
Not all vitamins are created equal, and it’s vital that you choose the right ones for aging and vision.
To start, the most obvious thing you should do is choose supplements that are labeled “for dry eyes” or “eye health.” While looking at the bottles, make sure they include omega-3s. You’ll also want to check for third-party testing or certification to ensure you’re getting quality products.
Lastly, do you have trouble swallowing pills? Then you may want to choose softgels instead of tablets.
Lifestyle Tips to Complement Your Vitamin Use
Simply taking supplements won’t be enough to turn your eye health around. You also need to make lifestyle changes to improve your overall health.
The most important tip is to be kind to your eyes. This means wearing sunglasses to protect them from the wind and UV rays, as well as using a humidifier, especially in dry indoor environments.
If you use screens regularly, then take breaks. Follow the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
To support tear production, drink plenty of water. This will have other benefits, such as softer skin, better cognitive function, and enhanced organ health.
Don’t forget to get regular eye check-ups. And if you need it, don’t be afraid to ask for memory care vision support. Staff members at senior living communities are there to help make your life easier, after all.
Give These Dry Eye Vitamins a Try
If you’ve been suffering from dry eye syndrome, then it’s time to take action. You have a few choices for dry eye vitamins, so give them a try. It’s best if you find supplements that combine these vitamins, and you should make healthier lifestyle choices, too.
But if you find your symptoms persisting or getting worse, make sure to speak with your doctor. They may be able to give you a personalized treatment plan to tackle the condition more efficiently.
TerraBella Hendersonville has professional-led health and wellness workshops for our residents. Get in touch with us now to hear more about senior living in Hendersonville, NC.
