Comfort

Dry Eyes After 55: Why It Happens and Gentle Ways to Find Relief

A calm guide to why eyes often feel drier with age, especially for women, and simple everyday steps that can help you feel more comfortable.

By the Clear Sight Journal editorial teamUpdated October 20, 20265 min read6 sources cited

Dry Eyes After 55: Why It Happens and Gentle Ways to Find Relief

Do your eyes feel scratchy, gritty or tired by the end of the day? Do they sting in the wind, or water for no clear reason?

You may be dealing with dry eye. It is very common, especially after 50, and there are many gentle things you can do to feel better.

What is dry eye?

Your eyes need a thin, steady layer of tears to stay moist and comfortable. The National Eye Institute explains that dry eye happens when your eyes don't make enough tears, or when your tears don't work as well as they should.

Nearly 16.4 million Americans have dry eye, according to the National Eye Institute. You're in good company.

Common signs

You might notice:

A scratchy feeling, like something is in your eye
Stinging or burning
Red eyes
Sensitivity to light
Blurry vision that clears when you blink

It may seem strange, but watery eyes can also be a sign of dry eye. When the eye surface gets irritated, it can make a rush of extra tears.

Why it becomes more common with age

Tears slow down

The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains that the steady, everyday tears that protect your eyes slow down with age.

Hormone changes

Dry eye is especially common in women after menopause, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The National Eye Institute lists being over 50 and being female as two things that make dry eye more likely.

Other common causes

Some medicines can cause dry eye as a side effect.
Certain health conditions, such as lupus, Sjögren syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis.
Wearing contact lenses.
Long hours of reading or screen time, when we blink less.
Wind, smoke, dry heat and air conditioning.

Gentle ways to find relief

These everyday tips come from the National Eye Institute and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Add moisture to the air

A humidifier can keep the air in your home from getting too dry, especially in winter when the heat is on.

Steer clear of drafts

Try not to sit where a fan, heater, car vent or air conditioner blows straight at your face.

Take screen and reading breaks

Look up and away every 20 minutes or so, and blink fully a few times.

Wear wraparound sunglasses outside

They help shield your eyes from wind and sun.

Avoid smoke

Cigarette smoke is very irritating to dry eyes.

Drink water through the day

The National Eye Institute suggests aiming for 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. If you have a heart, kidney or other condition, ask your doctor what amount is right for you.

Get enough sleep

The National Eye Institute suggests about 7 to 8 hours a night.

Eat for your tears

The National Eye Institute notes that not getting enough vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids can make dry eye more likely. Carrots, broccoli, fish, walnuts and vegetable oils are good sources.

About eye drops

The most common treatment for mild dry eye is a type of over-the-counter eye drop called artificial tears. Gels and ointments are also available.

A few things to know, from the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

Drops marketed for "red eye relief" are different from lubricating drops, and they can make redness and symptoms worse over time.
If you need drops more than two or three times a day, it's important to see an eye doctor to find the cause.
Thicker gels and ointments last longer but can blur your vision for a while, so they're often used at bedtime.

Ask your eye doctor or pharmacist which kind is best for your eyes.

When your doctor can help more

If simple steps aren't enough, an eye doctor has more options. The National Eye Institute explains that these can include prescription eye drops that help your eyes make more tears, small plugs that help keep tears on the eye, or changing a medicine that may be drying your eyes.

Dry eye is worth taking seriously. The National Eye Institute notes that severe dry eye that isn't treated can sometimes damage the cornea, the clear front layer of the eye.

A simple comfort routine

Morning: Drink a glass of water and turn on the humidifier.
During the day: Blink often and take reading breaks.
Outside: Wear wraparound sunglasses.
Evening: Dim the screens and rest your eyes.
Night: Aim for a full night of sleep.

When to talk to your eye doctor

Please see your eye doctor if:

Your eyes feel dry or irritated most days, even after trying these tips.
Dry eye gets in the way of reading, driving or other daily activities.
You're using lubricating drops several times a day.
You think a medicine might be drying your eyes. Don't stop any medicine on your own; ask your doctor first.

Get care right away if you have eye pain, a sudden change in vision, or a red eye that doesn't get better.

Sources

Health information you can trustThis article is based on the public health sources linked above and follows our editorial standards. The content on this site is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before making changes to your health routine, diet or medication.