Dry eye is uncomfortable and can cause your senior to avoid activities that she enjoys because they’re just too difficult with uncooperative eyes. Here are some suggestions to help manage dry eye effectively.
Encourage Her to Wear Sunglasses Outside
Sunglasses can be a huge help when it comes to protecting your senior’s eyes. This is especially helpful if she’s sensitive to light. Sunglasses can also provide protection from other issues, such as dirt and wind. Wraparound versions offer the most protection, but be sure to look for lenses that block broad spectrum UV light.
Use Eye Drops
One way to help alleviate dry eyes is to add moisture back directly to the eye. Avoid eye drops that have ingredients your elderly family member likely doesn’t need, like anti-redness ingredients. Those can be irritating and might cause your senior’s eyes to get drier. At night, your elderly family member might benefit more from eye lubricating gel.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water is a big part of the human body and if your senior’s eyes are drying out, she might not be drinking enough water. Her doctor can help you to determine exactly how much water is best for her to be drinking for optimal hydration. If she’s drinking plenty of water and still experiencing dry eyes, setting up a humidifier can also help add moisture to the air.
Some Supplements Might Help
The vitamins and minerals that your elderly family member gets from her food help to keep her entire body running smoothly, including her eyes. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids and other good fats are immensely beneficial. Supplementation can also help. Talk to your elderly family member’s doctor before starting her on any supplements to make sure that they won’t interfere with any medications she’s taking.
Talk to Her Eye Doctor
It’s also a good idea to bring up dry eye problems with your senior’s eye doctor. Left unchecked, dry eye issues can create irritation that damages the cornea of your senior’s eye and might cause other problems. If the dry eye is happening because of an underlying eye health issue, her eye doctor can let you know what the next steps are in her treatment.
Do what you can to keep up with what works for your senior when she’s experiencing bouts of dry eye. Elderly care providers can help her to remember to use these various tools when you’re not there with her. Consistent attention to even small steps can help your elderly family member to be more comfortable and can even keep dry eye away longer than you think.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Englewood, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Denver. Call today: (303) 756-9322.
