Researchers in Australia have found the eyes of patients in their fifties may adapt to help overcome a condition – meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) – that causes dry eye and typically worsens with age.
The Brien Holden Vision Institute this week reported some people of 54 years and over were more likely to produce tears.
Research fellow Dr Nisha Yeotikar said: ‘Our eyes water for many reasons. An eye irritation may result in protective watering that can clear irritants - fumes from onions or an allergic reaction, for example.’
The research led by Dr Yeotikar found that as we get older, eye lubrication from the meibomian gland decreases, but found that tears could make up for a loss of lubrication caused by MGD.
‘Interestingly, we found that tear functions, including tear volume, were commonly improved with older age and this could counterbalance some of the effects of meibomian gland changes,’ he added.
In general population, asymptomatic MGD was found to be more than twice as common as symptomatic MGD, meaning symptoms such as itching, redness, pain and blurred vision were not always experienced in early stages.
‘Progressive meibomian gland loss occurs normally with age, accompanied by reduced quality and quantity of the meibum produced,’ said Dr Yeotikar. ‘These changes should bring a corresponding increase in dry eye symptoms.’