A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Warm Compress on level of Dry Eye among Elderly Adults in a selected Old Age Home, Mangalore

Abstract

Dry eye syndrome is a common disorder of the tear film among elderly adults. Dry eye is caused by decreased tear production, excessive tear evaporation, and an abnormality in the production of mucus or lipids normally found in the tear layer, or a combination of these. Poor production of tears by the lacrimal gland may be a result of age, hormonal changes, or various autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Evaporative loss of the watery tear layer is usually a result of an insufficient overlying lipid layer. Dry eyes can usually be diagnosed by the symptoms alone. A slit lamp examination can be performed to diagnose dry eyes and to document any damage to the eye. A Schimer's test can measure the amount of moisture bathing the eye. Health care professionals have the responsibilities to minimise the level of dry eye among elderly adults by various measures such as warm compression, hygienic care, and dietary modification. Moreover, it minimizes the risk of infection and integrated treatment for any associated dry eye syndrome.