In normal quantity, the discharge of tears from the eyes is a natural physiological process, but the increased isolation of the tear fluid is already turning into a medical problem. Increased lacrimation can occur at any age, but this problem is most common in the elderly.
Causes of lacrimation from the eyes in old age
Main factors:
- Dry eye syndrome (dry keratoconjunctivitis). With it, the front surface of the cornea is not sufficiently moistened, there is a feeling of dryness, burning, and rubbing in the eyes. As a result, the compensatory mechanism works and, trying to cope with the problem, the body begins to produce tear liquid in excessive amounts.
- Age-related anatomical changes. In the elderly, the skin under the eyes is often sagging, the lower eyelid is lowered. As a result, there is a displacement of the opening of the tear duct, a normal outflow of tears is broken, and the eyes begin to water.
These two causes are the main causes of lacrimation from the eyes in old age, but it can also be triggered by blepharitis, systemic diseases of blood vessels and connective tissues, and blockage of lacrimal canals.
Treatment of lacrimation in the elderly
The most common drugs used for lacrimation in all age groups, including the elderly, are eye drops. They are of different types and with different mechanisms of action, and the choice of a particular preparation directly depends on the cause that provoked lachrymation.
So, with dry eye syndrome, so-called artificial tears are used, which protect the cornea from drying out, and in addition, gels and ointments that give the same effect. The latter are even more preferable, because due to a more viscous consistency they give a longer effect.
When lacrimation caused by blepharitis or conjunctivitis, which in the elderly occur frequently, anti-inflammatory drops for eyes and drops are used
- Okostistin;
- Indocollar;
- Torbadex;
- Diklo-F and others.
If lacrimation is caused by age-related anatomical changes or plugging of lacrimal canals, then the drugs in this case are ineffective. For the treatment can be used massage, physiotherapy methods, as well as surgical intervention to restore normal outflow of tears.