If you’re going through menopause, you’re likely familiar with its many challenges—from hot flashes to mood swings. But did you know menopause can also lead to dry eyes? It’s a common issue, and many women don’t realize it’s linked to the hormonal changes happening in their bodies. Let’s discuss why this occurs and how you can manage it.
Understanding dry eye disease
Dry eye disease happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or your tears aren’t high enough quality to keep your eyes sufficiently lubricated. If left unchecked, it can lead to more serious issues and vision problems. While anyone can experience this, it’s particularly common for women during menopause.
Common symptoms of dry eye disease include:
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye redness
- The sensation of something in your eye
- Blurred vision
- Excessive tearing
- Trouble wearing contact lenses
How menopause causes dry eyes
During menopause, your body undergoes many hormonal shifts, especially with estrogen levels dropping. This decrease affects moisture production all over your body, including your eyes. If you’re on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help with menopause symptoms, that can also throw off your tear production and lead to dry eyes. Additionally, other factors like certain medications, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and even the weather can contribute to dryness and discomfort.
Managing dry disease during menopause
If you’re dealing with dry eye symptoms during menopause, there are several ways to manage them. Drinking plenty of water can help keep your eyes lubricated. Using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops is also beneficial for maintaining eye moisture. Additionally, remember to take regular breaks from screens and protect your eyes from harsh weather conditions.
At The Eye Center, we offer dry eye treatment in Pembroke Pines, Florida to bring you lasting relief. When you visit us for a comprehensive eye exam, our team will perform diagnostic tests to carefully assess your tear film’s quality and quantity, as well as the severity of your symptoms. From there, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to address the root causes of your dry eye syndrome.
Here are some treatment options we may recommend:
- Prescription eye drops or medications to reduce inflammation
- Tear duct plugs to keep tears from draining away too quickly
- Blinking exercises and good eyelid hygiene
- Using a humidifier in dry environments
- Nutritional supplements
- Plastic surgery
- OptiLight IPL therapy: This cutting-edge treatment uses intense pulsed light to target and reduce inflammation, which is often a root cause of dry eye symptoms. By addressing inflammation, OptiLight IPL therapy helps enhance the quality of your tears, providing significant and lasting relief from dry eyes.
If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms or have any concerns about your eye health during menopause, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. Our eye care professionals can help you see comfortably and clearly again!
