Why do watery eyes often occur in the elderly? this is the reason

Tears do function to keep the eye moist. However, it is not uncommon for them to experience excess tear production, which makes the eyes water. This often occurs in the elderly. Of course, this condition makes vision disturbed and uncomfortable. Actually, what causes watery eyes in the elderly?

Why do watery eyes often occur in the elderly?

Watery eyes are a condition that is common to anyone, but this problem is often experienced by people who are over 60 years old, quoted from Medical News Today. Unlike the tears that come out while laughing or yawning, watery eyes in the elderly are usually persistent.

In fact, tears are very necessary to keep your eyes healthy and maintain clear vision. However, if there is excess tear production, this condition can actually interfere with vision.

The causes of watery eyes are infections and allergies. However, there are other causes that cause this condition more often, namely dry eyes. Yes, dry eyes actually stimulate excessive tear production.

Elderly people often complain of dry eyes and eventually make their eyes water constantly. Why does this happen?

You see, the meibomian glands, which are behind the eyelids, are responsible for producing an oily substance to help keep the eyes lubricated. When the meibomian gland becomes inflamed, what is known asmeibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), the eyes cannot be optimally lubricated, which in turn results in dry eyes. Now, this is where additional tears start to be produced more than usual.

Another cause of watery eyes that occurs in the elderly

Not only that, as the age increases, the lower eyelid condition usually decreases too. This makes it difficult for the tears to "flow" in the right path to the tear holes (puncta) so that the tears build up and look like water.

In addition, there are several other conditions that cause watery eyes in the elderly, namely:

Corneal infection.
Open sores on the cornea (corneal ulcers).
Allergy.
Take certain drugs.
Signs of emerging health problems, such as thyroid disease.

Then, is there a way that can be done to overcome it?

Watery eye conditions that affect the elderly can be treated at home in a number of easy ways, such as:

1. Rest your eyes

If watery eyes come suddenly, it's best to stop the work you are doing for a while, whether it's watching television, reading books, and so on. Instead, take a break with your eyes closed.

2. Using eye drops

Excess tear production is usually triggered by dry eye conditions. Therefore, before the eyes are completely dry, it is better to shed artificial tears. You can get it in the form of eye drops that are sold in the market. Choose the one that best suits your eye condition.

3. Compress the eye

Eye compresses can be an excellent alternative to treat dry eyes. You do this, by wetting a cloth with warm water and then placing it over the eyes, while gently massaging it on the eyelids.

When should you see a doctor?

Do not underestimate the condition of watery eyes in the elderly, especially if it is accompanied by red eyes, sore eyes, and even the production of tears does not stop for a long time. Usually, if the tear production is deemed abnormal, the doctor will prescribe several drugs, including antibiotics if this condition is caused by a bacterial infection.

In some cases, for the tear ducts that are narrowed at the eyelid, it can be treated with surgery to open the blocked tear duct. Of course, the treatment for watery eyes in the elderly is tailored to the condition of your eyes.