Page 18 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, August 8, 2025 Savvy Senior by Jim Miller How to Get Relief from Dry Eyes Dear Savvy Senior, What kinds of treatments are available to combat dry eyes? Since I turned 55, my eyes have become increasingly dry and sensitive. Blinking Brenda Dear Brenda, Dry eye is a very common problem that affects an estimated 16 million Americans. But you don’t have to just put up with it. There are lifestyle adjustments and multiple treatment options available to keep your eyes moist and healthy. Here’s what you should know. Dry Eye Problems Dry, red, burning, irritated eyes are one of the most common reasons for visits to the eye doctor, but discomfort isn’t the only problem of dry eyes. Light sensitivity and blurred or fluctuating vision are common problems too, and worse yet, dry eyes are more likely to get scratched or infected, which could damage your vision permanently. The reason people get dry eyes are because they either don’t produce enough tears to keep their eyes properly lubricated, or because they produce poor quality tears. In some cases, dry eyes can be triggered by medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Sjogren’s syndrome. It can also be brought on by age (tear production tends to diminish as we get older), eye conditions, eyelid problems, certain medications, environmental factors and even LASIK and cataract surgery. Dry eyes are also more common in women, especially after menopause. Lifestyle Adjustments The first step experts recommend in dealing with dry eyes is to check your lifestyle and surroundings for factors that might be contributing to the problem and make these adjustments: • Avoid blowing air: Keep your eyes away from air vents, hair dryers, oscillating and ceiling fans and consider buying a home humidifier. • Blink more: When you’re reading, watching television, or using a smartphone, tablet or computer, take frequent breaks because these activities cause you to blink less often. • Avoid irritants: Avoid smokefilled places and if you swim, wear goggles to cut down exposure to chemicals. • Use moisture chamber eyeglasses: These goggles/glasses wrap around the sides of your face to seal off your eyes from wind, dust and other drying irritants. These are available in many styles, and some in the Airshield collection from 7Eye.com can be made with prescription lenses. • Check your meds: Dozens of prescriptions and over the counter (OTC) drugs like antihistamines, decongestants, diuretics, beta-blockers, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and Parkinson’s medications can all cause dry eyes. If you’re taking any of these, ask your doctor about alternatives. • Get more omega-3s: Studies show that eating more fish and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (or take a supplement) helps some people. Treatment Options If adjusting your environment and habits doesn’t do the trick, there are a variety of OTC eye drops called artificial tears, along with moisturizing gels and ointments that may help your eyes feel better. If you experience a lot of burning, try another product or opt for a preservative-free formula. Or, if you have itchy dry eyes, you may get more relief from antihistamine eye drops, like olopatadine (Pataday) and ketotifen (Alaway, Zaditor), or decongestant eye drops like naphazoline/glycerin (Clear Eyes). If the lifestyle and OTC treatments don’t help, see an ophthalmologist. He or she can offer additional advice and may prescribe medication. There are several FDA approved medications for dry eye like Restasis, Xiidra and Miebo. If your dry eye is severe and does not improve, your doctor might recommend some office procedures like punctal plugs, thermal pulsation, meibomian gland expression, and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. These procedures target the underlying causes of dry eye, such as meibomian gland dysfunction or tear drainage issues. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. 1. On Aug. 8, 1908, Wilbur Wright made his first public flight — at what French racecourse? 2. What is a googolplex? 3. When was the first iPhone released: 2007, 2010 or 2013? 4. According to James Beard, the Western sandwich is based on what Chinese dish? 5. What spin-off of the Tour de France on July 27, 2025, had its Grand Départ in Brittany? 6. August 9 is National Book Lovers Day; the first book pages used parchment or what animal product? 7. Where would you find Old Deuteronomy and Mistoffelees? 8. On Aug. 10, 2004, Adam Dunn of what “red” team hit one of the longest home runs, which ended up at the Ohio River? 9. The USA’s oldest operating pet cemetery, Hartsdale Pet Cemetery in New York, was founded in what year: 1778, 1896 or 1960? 10. In 1963 what Motown group made the “Heat Wave” song popular? 11. On Aug. 11, 1964, what first film of the Beatles premiered in the U.S. in NYC? 12. Reportedly, a while back boxes of what candy replaced cigarettes on Air Force One? 13. What Guinness World Record did Memphian comic Benny Elbows get after 40+ hours? 14. On Aug. 12, 1801, John Cadbury was born in England; he created his own brand of chocolate, which he saw as a substitute for what? 15. Why does “trivia” come from the Roman word trivium (the intersection of three roads)? 16. What dog breed is Lassie of TV fame? 17. On Aug. 13, 2004, what American chef/TV star died who is the namesake of a flower? 18. What sport has what is known as a breakaway? 19. What is the difference between sprinkles and jimmies? 20. On Aug. 14, 1948, was Idaho’s cost-effective “beaver drop,” which relocated 76 of them by parachute because of what? ANSWERS 1. Le Mans 2. The number one along with 100 zeros 3. 2007 4. Egg foo young (a Western sandwich traditionally has green pepper, ham, onion and eggs.) 5. Tour de France Femmes (women) 6. Vellum (originally made from calfskin) 7. The “Cats” musical 8. Cincinnati Reds (Reportedly, the Ohio state line with Kentucky begins at the riverbank, so he is the only person ever to hit a home run to another state.) 9. 1896 10. Martha & The Vandellas 11. “A Hard Day’s Night” 12. Presidential M&Ms — red, white and blue in small boxes with the presidential seal 13. Longest stand-up comedy show by an individual 14. Alcoholic beverages 15. People who met at the trivium would talk about trivialis (unimportant things). 16. Long-haired collie 17. Julia Child (a buttery yellow rose) 18. Bicycling: when one or several players suddenly speed up ahead of the pack. 19. Jimmies are rod-shaped and usually chocolate; sprinkles can be other shapes and flavors. 20. They were damaging property but could overheat in the sun when moved by other methods.
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