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Seniors Eye Problems - Dry Eyes
My Experience With Dry Eyes - S.M. Female Age: 83
I've had a problem with dry eyes for many years now and the symptoms are always the same - dry, itchy, burning eyes.
Over the last few years I've seen several eye doctors about my dry eyes, and they've suggested it might be the result of reduced tear production due to aging, a side-effect of medications I'm taking, allergies and eye strain.
Restasis drops were prescribed by one doctor, and I used them until I began to experience mild negative side-effects. Since then I've become more concerned about the long term use of medicated eye drops as they frequently have a fairly long list of possible negative side effects.
The most consistent relief from dry eyes I've found is the regular use of eye lubricant products, such as Optive, Refresh, and Visine (non-medicated). They are inexpensive compared to the medicated drops, have few (if any) negative side-effects, and I can use them throughout the day as needed. Some drops are thicker and provide superior lubrication but I find that some blur my vision and make my eyes feel gooey. You will need to experiment to determine which type works best for you.
Conclusion
I've learned that the cause of my dry eye problem could be any number of things. Including, reduced tear production due to aging, medication, allergic reaction to dust, pollen, pets, and from eye strain due to long periods of computer use and reading. The use of non-medicated lubricant eye drops is the least expensive and safest way I've found to reduce my eye dryness and irritation.
My Experience With Dry Eyes - E.F. Male Age: 83
In addition to dry eyes, I sometimes wake up in the early morning with extremely itchy eyes. When this happens I've used lubricant drops. Although they work well enough for me to get back to sleep, they do not remove the itching completely, just reduce it to a manageable level.
I play several games of solitaire each day on the computer and watch a few TV shows with captions as I'm hard of hearing. Both activities not only cause my eyes to become dry, but also fatigued. I've had cataract surgery but I don't think it contributes to my dry eye problem.
I use lubricant eye drops but only when I feel I need them. Occasionally I get a mild sinus headache after using drops. I don't know for sure the drops are the cause, but I use them sparingly anyways.
Conclusion:
By reducing the amount of time I spend on the computer and reading captions on TV, I can reduce my eye fatigue and dryness. However, as those are activities I enjoy, I've found lubricant eye drops work best to reduce my eye dryness, though the drops do little for fatigue.