[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/why-your-eyes-get-drier-as-you-get-older-and-what-you-can-do-about-it\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/why-your-eyes-get-drier-as-you-get-older-and-what-you-can-do-about-it\/","headline":"Why your eyes get drier as you get older (and what you can do about it)","name":"Why your eyes get drier as you get older (and what you can do about it)","description":"Noticing your eyes feel drier as you get older? You\u2019re not alone. Learn why it happens and what you can do to keep your eyes comfortable.","datePublished":"2025-09-26","dateModified":"2025-09-18","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/author\/myeyeclinic\/#Person","name":"My Eye Clinic","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/author\/myeyeclinic\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8387103c2072d667018bc0a76890e72a3a28b15f0cb4d824dadcb29a5e8e13d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8387103c2072d667018bc0a76890e72a3a28b15f0cb4d824dadcb29a5e8e13d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"My Eye Clinic Gosforth","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Retina-Sticky-Header-Logo-v2-166x120-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Retina-Sticky-Header-Logo-v2-166x120-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","width":167,"height":122}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Why-your-eyes-get-drier-as-you-get-older-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Why-your-eyes-get-drier-as-you-get-older-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","height":600,"width":900},"url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/why-your-eyes-get-drier-as-you-get-older-and-what-you-can-do-about-it\/","about":["Dry Eye & Blepharitis"],"wordCount":530,"articleBody":"Why your eyes get drier as you get older (and what you can do about it)Do you feel like your eyes are getting drier with every birthday? You\u2019re not imagining it. Dry eye is more common after 40 and becomes increasingly likely as we get older. But understanding why this happens and what you can do about it can make a huge difference to your comfort and quality of life.Why dry eye becomes more common with ageYour eyes rely on a healthy tear film to stay moist, nourished, and clear. This tear film has three layers:Oil layer: Prevents tears from evaporating too quicklyWater layer: Keeps eyes hydratedMucus layer: Spreads tears evenly over the surface of the eye.As we age, this tear film can become less stable. Reasons include:Hormonal changes: Particularly around menopause, which can reduce tear productionEyelid changes: The glands that produce oils can become blocked or less activeReduced blinking: Blinking spreads tears across your eyes, and we tend to blink less with ageMedical conditions: Diabetes, thyroid issues, and arthritis are more common in midlife and can contribute to dry eyeMedications: Antihistamines, blood pressure medication, and antidepressants can all reduce tear production.Common symptoms of age-related dry eyeYou might notice:Grittiness or a feeling like something is in your eyeRedness or irritationBlurred vision that improves after blinkingWatery eyes (yes, excessive tearing can actually be a sign of dryness)Sensitivity to wind, smoke, or air conditioning.Why treating dry eye mattersDry eye isn\u2019t just uncomfortable. Left untreated, it can:Cause eye strain and headachesMake reading or using screens difficultIncrease risk of infectionAffect your quality of life.What you can do about itThe good news? There are lots of ways to manage and even improve dry eye symptoms. Artificial tears Over-the-counter lubricating drops can provide relief. Use preservative-free options if you need them frequently. Warm compresses Applying a warm compress to your eyelids can help unblock oil glands and improve tear quality. Lid hygiene Cleaning your eyelids with a gentle wipe can reduce inflammation and bacteria around the lashes. Omega-3 supplements Some studies suggest omega-3 fatty acids can improve tear quality. Adjust your environmentUse a humidifier if your home is dryAvoid direct air blowing on your faceWear wraparound sunglasses outdoors Blink more often Especially when reading or using screens. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Professional treatment If home remedies aren\u2019t enough, your eye doctor can offer in-office treatments such as prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or light therapy for the glands.When to see a professionalIf your symptoms are persistent, painful, or affecting your vision, it\u2019s time for an eye exam. Early treatment can prevent complications and keep your eyes healthy.The bottom lineDry eye may be more common as you get older, but you don\u2019t have to live with constant discomfort. There are effective treatments to restore comfort and clarity.Next stepsTake our free self-test to see if you might benefit from a dry eye assessment. Relief could be closer than you think."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Why your eyes get drier as you get older (and what you can do about it)","item":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/why-your-eyes-get-drier-as-you-get-older-and-what-you-can-do-about-it\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]