The experts at mEYEspa explain why dry eyes often occur during menopause and what you can do to find relief. Find out more at: https://www.meyespa.com/blogs/eye-care-news/menopause-and-dry-eye
Did you know that approximately 61 percent of women in perimenopause or menopause experience dry eye symptoms? While hot flashes and mood changes tend to get most of the attention, menopause can also cause burning, itching, and all-around uncomfortable sensations in the eyes. Although menopausal dry eyes can significantly impact their quality of life and vision, many women don't connect their discomfort to hormonal changes.
Want to learn more about dry eye during menopause? Go to the link in the description!
During perimenopause and menopause, your body undergoes significant hormonal fluctuations that affect more than just the reproductive system. As estrogen and androgen levels decline, your eyes may experience noticeable changes that disrupt their delicate moisture balance. In particular, reduced androgen levels can impact both the oil-producing meibomian glands in your eyelids and the tear-producing lacrimal glands, making both mechanisms less effective.
The result? A thinner, less stable tear film that evaporates too quickly or insufficient tear production altogether. This can lead to several common ocular symptoms, which may be dismissed as routine signs of aging: Burning or stinging sensations; redness and irritation; a persistent feeling of grittiness; blurred vision that fluctuates throughout the day; and excessive tearing as eyes try to correct dryness.
Let's explore five effective strategies to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy during this transition.
Tip 1: Standard over-the-counter eye drops might not be enough for menopausal dry eye. Consider these targeted approaches:
Choose preservative-free formulations: If you're using drops more than four times daily, preservatives can actually irritate your eyes over time. Look for drops containing hyaluronic acid: This ingredient provides longer-lasting moisture than basic saline solutions. Consider lipid-based drops: These help replenish the oil layer of your tears, addressing the common meibomian gland issues in menopausal dry eye. Use nighttime ointments: Apply a thicker lubricant before bed to provide continuous moisture during sleep when tear production naturally decreases.
Tip 2: Implement a Daily Warm Compress Routine: Heat therapy is remarkably effective for improving oil gland function, which is often compromised during menopause.
Twice daily, use a specially designed microwavable eye mask or heated eye compress. Ensure the temperature is warm enough to melt the oils in your glands (about 104 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit) but comfortable enough to keep on your closed eyes without burning. Follow with a gentle circular massage of your upper and lower lids to help express the oils. This consistent practice, in the morning and evening, helps unclog oil glands and improves tear film stability, directly addressing a root cause of menopausal dry eye.
Tip 3: Small adjustments to your surroundings and routines can go a long way toward mitigating dry eye. Position screens below eye level: This slows tear evaporation by reducing the amount of surface area on the eye that’s exposed to air.
Try the 20-20-20 rule: While working at the computer, be sure to look up every 20 minutes and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce strain.
Use a desktop humidifier: Keep one in your workspace, especially during dry winter months or in air-conditioned environments.
Stay internally hydrated: Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
Consider wraparound glasses: These protect your eyes from wind and environmental irritants outdoors.
Adjust air vents: Whenever possible, make sure to direct air conditioning or heating vents away from your face to minimize tear evaporation.
Tip 4: Consider Nutritional Support for Eye Health. What you eat can significantly impact your tear quality and quantity:
Increase omega-3 fatty acid intake: Either through supplements (1,000 to 2,000 milligrams daily) or foods like wild-caught salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts. Boost vitamin A consumption: Sweet potatoes, spinach, and carrots support the health of the eye's mucous membranes. Stay hydrated with hydrating foods: Cucumber, watermelon, and celery all have high water content. Reduce inflammatory foods: Minimizing processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol can reduce overall inflammation that may contribute to eye irritation.
Nutritional approaches work gradually, so it may take 4 to 6 weeks for these strategies to begin showing improvements.
Tip 5: Work With Eye Care Specialists Who Understand Hormonal Dry Eye. Determining the specific type and severity of your dry eye can make a tremendous difference in the success of your treatment. A professional can help pinpoint the root of the problem.
Seek out optometrists with specific expertise in dry eye treatment. Discuss the link between your symptoms and hormonal changes. Ask about prescription options like anti-inflammatory drops if over-the-counter solutions aren't sufficient. Consider advanced treatments like punctal plugs (tiny inserts that help retain tears) for severe cases. If you're using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), discuss its potential impact on your eyes with both your gynecologist and eye doctor. Some studies suggest that estrogen-only HRT may increase dry eye risk. The relationship isn't fully understood, but if you're experiencing eye discomfort while on HRT, discuss this with your healthcare provider. Adjusting your hormone therapy or adding specific eye treatments may help balance overall symptom management.
Professional assessment is particularly important because menopausal dry eye can sometimes mimic other conditions or occur alongside them. For patients in Ontario, Canada, London’s Studio Eye Care offers specialized diagnostics and treatment plans for dry eye resulting from hormonal changes. Dr. Jason Morris, lead optometrist at Studio Eye Care, emphasizes the importance of seeking care tailored to your unique symptoms: "Every woman responds differently. Understanding what's happening makes a big difference."
Studio Eye Care’s online store, mEYEspa, offers clinically-tested products specifically selected to address menopausal dry eye, including Thealoz Duo® and Hyabak® drops and tools like the Bruder Mask for warm compress therapy. The mEYEspa blog also offers guidance to help women navigate the specific changes that come with menopause, all backed by Dr. Morris’s expertise.
You don’t need to accept dry eye as another uncomfortable symptom of menopause. With targeted strategies and professional guidance, you can maintain comfortable vision throughout this transition. Find more information on menopause and dry eyes at the link in the description. mEYEspa City: London Address: 206-1071 Wellington Rd Website: https://www.meyespa.com