The eyes of the elderly are watery. Causes and treatment, what to do, drops, folk remedies

In the elderly people often have watery eyes and the main reason for this is age-related changes in the structure of the eye. In some cases, lacrimation has a harmless cause and does not require special treatment, but only observation and restorative therapy.

But in most cases, lacrimation signals serious disturbances in the vision system or diseases that have irreversible consequences. Therefore, for any constant lacrimation in old age, a person must undergo an examination and, if necessary, treatment.

Possible reasons

Watery eyes in the elderly (the causes and treatment depend on many individual factors) are most often due to natural age-related changes, so patients do not pay attention to discomfort and do not resort to help specialists.

However, watery eyes can be a symptom of a serious illness that, if untreated, can cause serious complications. The main causes of lacrimation include.

Age changes

The position of individual parts of the eye changes its position with age. With age, a person may change the position of the lacrimal nipple, lacrimal canals and decrease the tone of the lower eyelid, due to which the eyelashes begin to contact the mucous membrane of the eye.

Their change and curvature affects not only visual acuity, but also the processes of fluid release. All this provokes increased lacrimation, which occurs in the elderly in 20% of cases and does not require compulsory treatment.

Dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome involves constant excessive dryness of most of the surface of the eyeball, which is associated with a violation of natural metabolic processes.

At the same time, the body develops a compensatory mechanism that releases an increased amount of fluid to restore balance, which simply flows out of the eye in the form of tears.

Increased sensitivity

In older people, the eyes watery due to a sharp increase in sensitivity to certain stimuli, which in some cases creates discomfort and requires treatment. With severe fatigue, bright sun, strong wind, the eyes can no longer cope with the surrounding conditions due to reduced muscle tone and changes in the circulatory system inside the eye.

The same applies to situations where older people wear lenses or incorrectly fitted glasses for a long time. In this case, lacrimation is a natural reaction of the body to irritating factors. Hypersensitivity of the eyes does not require treatment and is quite simply eliminated by wearing sunglasses or dosing loads.

Viral infections of a different nature

Certain viral colds and diseases of the respiratory system provoke temporary increased lacrimation. The mucous membranes of the nose, pharynx and larynx are closely connected with the lacrimal ducts.

Profuse lacrimation appears as a reaction to the effects of a virus or an inflamed mucous membrane inside the nose and disappears after the end of the cold.

Exceeding the dose of drugs

Some drugs for the eyes have a proven permitted dose of use and illiterate treatment with eye drops as 1 symptom is manifested by increased lacrimation. Such situations occur with an independent (on the recommendation or advertising video) appointment the drug, as well as the use of drugs in large quantities and immediately affects the condition eyes.

After several applications on the mucous membrane, an allergic reaction or local inflammation and the body begins to produce tears abundantly in order to wash away irritating substances. Exceeding a dose of a drug that is not intended to treat the eyes can also cause profuse lacrimation.

Lacrimation is often seen as a side effect when the dose is exceeded in drugs that are aimed at treating the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and arthritis. To get rid of tears in this case, it is enough to exclude the medication temporarily and drink a course of absorbents for 2-3 days.

Allergy

In old age, allergies to certain types of irritants may appear and develop. For example dust, chemicals and plants.

Allergic manifestations can be expressed by redness of the mucous membrane, inflammation and puffiness in the eyes. The manifestation of allergic reactions completely disappears after excluding the irritant and taking antihistamines.

Diseases of the eyes

Various eye diseases (keratitis, conjunctivitis, purulent conjunctivitis) affect the ability of the eyeball and change its function. Such diseases are accompanied by edema, pain in the eyes and profuse lacrimation and require compulsory drug treatment.

Consequences of the operation

After some types of eye surgeries, a small painful area of ​​the mucous membrane may appear. During the healing period, painful sensations associated with damage to a separate area of ​​the eyeball and up to the moment of full recovery, soreness and increased lacrimation may be present, which is considered the norm.

Foreign body

Any smallest foreign body, when it gets into the eye, irritates the mucous membrane, leaves micro-cuts and damage in the eyes. A large amount of escaping tear fluid helps to rinse the eyes and remove a particle from them, which is not always possible to do on your own.

Even after cleaning the eye, the remaining micro-scratches can cause inflammation and increase the production of tear fluid.

Foreign formations

With age, foreign formations may appear inside the eye, which most often cause the appearance of yellow spots in the eyes or dystrophy of certain parts of the eye. Neoplasms can be a consequence of the development of a malignant tumor, the treatment of which must be started immediately after detection.

The cause of lacrimation	Treatment type
Age-related changes, dry eye syndrome, hypersensitivity	General strengthening therapy, which is recommendatory in nature
Exceeding the dose of the drug, the consequences of the operation	Not required
Foreign body, viral infections and eye diseases	Medication with antibiotics
allergy	Antihistamine therapy
Foreign formations	Therapy or surgery

Treatment methods

Eyes are watery in the elderly (the causes and treatment of which are always interrelated) at very different ages and therefore treatment depends on the type of cause and state of health. But in general, the complex of treatment of lacrimation in old age is divided into several groups, depending on the cause of the appearance.

With infectious diseases

In case of eye damage with infectious diseases of a different nature, antiseptic and antiviral therapy is prescribed:

Albucid

Albucid is used as a disinfectant. The drug is instilled into the eyes, 1-2 drops. in each eye 4-5 times a day for 7-10 days.

The medicine fights against pathogenic microflora, purulent manifestations and promotes healing of the mucous membrane. The price of the drug is 70 rubles.

Ophthalmoferon

The drug is the latest generation of antiviral agents. The drug actively suppresses a wide range of viruses, has anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating effects. The drug is instilled into each eye for 2-3 drops. 3-4 times a day for 7-14 days. The price of the medicine is 350 rubles.

Okomistin

The tool has a pronounced antiseptic effect and actively affects gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, atypical bacteria, herpes viruses and adenoviruses. The drug has an anti-inflammatory and healing effect within 1-2 days after the start of use. It is prescribed in 1-2 caps. 4 times a day for 10 days. The cost of the drug is 240 rubles.

If the cornea or mucous membrane is damaged

To restore the cornea or mucous membrane of the eye after damage, the prescribed treatment is aimed at creating conditions for quick healing of the eye in conditions of reduced immunity and a high risk of complications, therefore, the complex of funds necessarily includes antibiotic.

Tsiprolet

Tsiprolet is an effective antibiotic with a wide range of effects against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and viruses. It has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect, promotes rapid healing.

Apply ciprolet in 2 drops. in each eye 4 times a day. The course of treatment is 7-10 days. The price of the drug starts from 180 rubles.

Levomycetin

The drug contains a broad-spectrum antibiotic and has an active bacteriostatic effect. The medicine quickly suppresses streptococci and some large viruses. It is buried inside the lower eyelid in 2-3 drops. 3 times a day for 5-10 days. The price of the drug is 110 rubles.

Vigamox

A modern drug with a wide range of active effects on gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, anaerobic, acid-fast and atypical bacteria, and suppressive chlamydia. The tool effectively copes with purulent manifestations on the mucous membrane and cleans the cornea of ​​the eye.

The drug is instilled into each eye, 1-2 drops. 3-4 times a day for 5-10 days. The cost of the drug is from 230 rubles.

Erythromycin ointment

The ointment effectively promotes healing in case of damage to the cornea of ​​the eye. The drug contains an antibiotic and has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and healing effects. The medicine is applied under the lower eyelid in the amount of a small pea up to 3 times a day for 10-14 days.

The cost of the drug is 70 rubles.

For fatigue and hypersensitivity

In case of fatigue or hypersensitivity, the following drugs are prescribed.

Vizin

Vizine is an excellent vasoconstrictor and anti-inflammatory drug that does not adversely affect the nervous system. The medicine takes effect in 1 min. after application, and the exposure period is more than 4 hours. The drug is prescribed for 1-2 drops. 3 times a day. The cost of the drug is 340 rubles.

Retinol acetate

To maintain the condition of the eyes with hypersensitivity, experts prescribe vitamin A in the form of capsules (retinol acetate). The drug helps to maintain normal mucous membranes of the eye and is involved in mineral metabolism, and also has an antitumor effect. Prescribe a medicine in 1 tab. 2 times a day for 20-30 days. The cost of the medicine is 80 rubles.

Folk remedies are widely used to treat eye fatigue, irritation and hypersensitivity.

Cumin tincture

• For its preparation, caraway seeds, dry plantain leaves and eyebright herbs are mixed for 1 tsp. l.
• The mixture is poured into 1 tbsp. boiling water and boil for 5-7 minutes.
• Then the mixture must be cooled to room temperature and filtered through cheesecloth folded 2-3 times.
• The broth is instilled into the eyes, 1-2 drops. 3-4 times a day for 10-14 days. The broth is suitable for 3 days if stored in the refrigerator. A decoction of cumin and medicinal herbs relieves redness, puffiness and helps restore fluid balance in the eyes.

Dill seed decoction

Decoction on dill seeds relieves inflammation and relieves itching. After several uses, this decoction helps to increase the resistance of the eyes to irritants.

Preparation:

• For cooking 1 tbsp. l. dill seeds are poured with 1 tbsp. clean cold water.
• The mixture is brought to a boil and removed from heat.
• The product should be infused for 2-3 hours.
• Then the broth is thoroughly filtered and stored in the cold for 2 days.
  
• The broth is instilled in 1 cap. 4 times a day during the period of acute symptoms.

In case of dry eye syndrome

Watery eyes in the elderly (causes and treatment are often associated with the natural aging process) due to with the manifestation of the disease - dry eye syndrome, to combat which moisturizing therapy is used.

Oftagel

Oftagel has a pronounced moisturizing effect on the cornea and creates a protective layer on its surface. The medicine relieves irritation, itching and fatigue. Prescribe it in 1 cap. 3-4 times a day as symptoms worsen. On average, the course of treatment is 7-10 days. The cost of the drug is 320 rubles.

Systane ultra

Systane ultra is effectively used in the treatment of dry eye syndrome, since it relieves inflammation from the eyes, quickly eliminates dryness and discomfort. A thin film on the surface of the cornea that forms after application of the drug protects the cornea from damage and moisturizes. The drug is instilled in 1-2 drops. 3-4 times a day as needed. The price of packing the product is 450 rubles.

For allergic manifestations

For allergies, the following remedies are recommended.

Ketotifen

The medicine is an antihistamine that quickly relieves inflammation and swelling in the eyes and prevents repeated irritation.

The drug is instilled into the eyes, 1-2 drops. 1-2 times a day for 5-10 days until the symptoms of allergy disappear. The price of the drug is on average 150 rubles.

Azelastine

Azelastine is well established as an antihistamine for the eyes. The drug relieves inflammation, swelling and redness that arise from exposure to a wide range of natural and synthetic irritants. Apply the drug in 1 drop. 1 time per day in case of allergic manifestations for 10-14 days. The cost of the medicine is 580 rubles.

All prescribed eye drops are instilled into the eye, pulling back the lower eyelid. Before use, any drugs must be brought to room temperature. If several eye drops are prescribed for use, then a break of 7-10 minutes should be taken between them.

When the position of the lacrimal nipple or canals changes, the eyelid loses its elasticity, as well as neoplasms, surgical intervention is recommended.

Small adjustments to the physical location of parts of the eye or more complex surgery to remove neoplasms helps to restore the condition of the eyeballs and reduce lacrimation. Surgery is performed when the tear ducts are blocked or narrowed to restore fluid flow inside the eye.

Possible consequences and complications

The eyes of the elderly are watery (the reasons and treatment should always be established by a specialist) for a long time, starting with a slight moisture in the eyes, gradually tears begin to stand out in more and more quantities.

In the absence of proper treatment, lacrimation can lead to serious complications:

• thinning of the tear film;
• inflammatory and infectious processes in the cornea;
• discomfort;
• decreased vision;
• loss of the eyeball (in the case of the development of neoplasms or purulent processes);
• a constant sensation of itching and irritation in the eyes.

In older people, eyes watery for various reasons, which are often closely related to age-related changes. However, in some cases, increased production of tears is a symptom of a serious disorder that requires comprehensive and competent treatment.

An accurate diagnosis, which is quickly determined by examination and, if necessary, additional examination, established by an ophthalmologist, who determines the dosage, drugs and method treatment.

Timely implementation of the entire complex of therapeutic therapy is able to remove increased production of tears in a short time and restore eye health in the elderly for a long time.

Video on what to do if the eyes of the elderly are watery

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