What causes dry eye symptoms during menopause?
The tears that keep your eyes moist are made up of three layers: water, oil, and mucus.
As levels of the hormones estrogen and androgen decrease during menopause, the amount of oil in your tears also decreases.
Without enough oil, tears evaporate too quickly, causing dry eyes.
Some symptoms of dry eye during menopause include:
- Dryness, sandiness
- The feeling of having something in your eye
- Redness
- Burning and stinging
- Tears flow
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
DYK?
6 out of 10 perimenopausal and menopausal women struggle with dry eye symptoms.
How is dry eye treated during menopause?
- Over-the-counter eye products
- Artificial tears
- Eyelid cleaner
- Warm compresses increase the amount of oil in your tears
- Prescription medications
- Eye drops
- pills
- A nasal spray that promotes tear production
- Proceedings
- Light therapy
- Eyelid massage
Lifestyle changes that can relieve dry eye symptoms
- Take a break from the screen
- Use a humidifier
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat foods that contain eye-supporting fatty acids
- Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel
- linseed
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
- Do not wear contact lenses if they bother your eyes
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from light and wind
Dry eyes during menopause are common, but you don’t have to suffer from it.
See a doctor if your dry eye symptoms:
- Affect your daily life
- Don’t skip over-the-counter treatments
- Don’t improve yourself through lifestyle changes
- Cause you pain
- You have difficulty seeing
This educational resource was created with support from Viatris, a member of the HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council.
