Dry eyes can affect anyone, but age is a significant risk factor. According to UCLA Health in 2025, 3 million new people will experience keratoconjunctivitis sicca annually. In short, one in five adults will ultimately develop dry eye syndrome.
Independence, IA, is known for its unique underground city formed by raised buildings. Because of this, there's a lot for seniors living there to see - an impossible feat for those with dry eyes.
Luckily, relief is available in the form of dry eye vitamins. Read on to learn how these eye supplements work and why they're an effective treatment for aging vision issues.
Dry eyes are caused by insufficient tear production. Tears are what lubricate the eyes and clean them of dust and debris.
According to the American Optometric Association, tear production goes down as people age.
Medical conditions like arthritis are also risk factors. So are some medications that treat blood pressure and depression.
Increased tear evaporation also contributes to dry eyes. This is most common in:
But do these vitamins actually help with dry eyes?
The answer to this question is a resounding "yes!" Vitamins supplement the natural production of tears by your eyes.
This decreases inflammation on the surface of the eye, reducing itching.
Using the right dry eye vitamins can also help seniors in the long term. Beyond quick relief, the vitamins may also make the quality of tears go up as well as their quantity. This can contribute to repairing any nerve damage that may have caused or worsened dry eyes.
Luckily, relief is available in the form of vitamin supplements. These supplements are over-the-counter pills that older adults take on a schedule. As their body metabolizes them, dry eyes will become less impactful.
Vitamin A is a common supplement for many seniors experiencing dry eyes. This is because a Vitamin A deficiency is a common dry eye risk factor. Using Vitamin A helps with:
However, not everyone will need the same supplements to combat keratoconjunctivitis sicca (the scientific term for dry eyes).
Vitamin D can:
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that:
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may:
If you're experiencing burning sensations due to dry eyes and aging vision, Vitamin B12 can also help. It repairs the corneal nerve layer when it's damaged. This gets rid of that burning feeling.
Since they come in pill form, many older adults may worry about side effects from vitamin supplements. Luckily, this isn't something to be concerned about unless you take them in excess. Over-the-counter supplements aren't medications in the traditional sense, and they're natural remedies for dry eyes.
Dry eye vitamins are easy to come by. Accessing them is just a matter of going to the drugstore or requesting them while living in a top-notch senior community.
They're also easy to take because they come in multiple forms. Besides the traditional pill, many people take vitamins in capsule or tablet form. Some even sprinkle the flavorless powder from capsules over their food.
A 2016 study published in the National Library of Medicine also found that Omega-3 supplements decreased dry eye symptoms within six months. There's a lot of research about the effectiveness of eye supplements, so you're more likely to get relief!
Regardless, those who take dry eye vitamins work with an eye doctor to come up with appropriate doses. The medical professional will:
Following a doctor's orders means you likely won't need to worry about side effects. You'll also get the exact vitamins and dosages you need to thrive.
Supplements are extremely effective for those with dry eyes because it's easy to ingest precise dosages. However, eating a healthy diet rich in these vitamins can naturally boost your eye health, too.
Johns Hopkins Medicine lists some of the best foods for your eyes as being:
Planning and preparing meals with these important ingredients can be challenging, especially for seniors with mobility or cognitive challenges. That's why the best senior living community in Independence, IA, offers chef-prepared meals with these natural ingredients. They're tailor-made to support senior wellness!
With tableside service and a restaurant-style dining area, it's easy to enjoy homestyle meals that include all the vitamins needed for healthy eyes. Combined with supplements, this is a great way to combat dry eyes for seniors.
Now that you know some dry eye vitamins that promote senior eye wellness, it's time to look into an Iowa senior living community that promotes holistic well-being.
Prairie Hills at Independence prides itself on offering supportive services to those in assisted living and memory care. This help includes medication management, which is essential for those taking eye supplements daily.
We're excited to show you why our community stands out from others in the area, so contact us. We'll be happy to help you schedule a tour and see our beautiful amenities for yourself.