Connection Between Dry Eye and Menopause
Menopause, the stage in a person's life when menstruation stops, can bring about a variety of changes, including dry eyes. This condition, characterised by visual discomfort, pain, burning, itchiness, redness, tired eyes, light sensitivity, and blurry vision, can be a significant inconvenience.
Dry eye is a multifactorial condition, meaning a combination of factors can cause it. One of the key factors is hormonal changes associated with menopause. The significant drop in estrogen and androgen levels during menopause reduces tear production and alters tear quality, worsening dry eye symptoms. Hormonal shifts specifically during menopause play a major role beyond just aging alone [4][5].
Age is another factor that increases the likelihood of developing dry eye, especially after 50. Tear production naturally decreases with age [1][3]. Environmental factors such as dry climates, air conditioning, smoke, wind, and pollutants also increase tear evaporation, aggravating dry eyes [1][3].
Health conditions like autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and other systemic conditions can affect tear glands and worsen symptoms [1][3]. Medications such as antihistamines, beta-blockers, antidepressants, and other drugs may reduce tear production as a side effect, increasing dry eye severity [1][3].
Prolonged digital device use reduces blink rate, leading to increased tear evaporation, which can exacerbate symptoms during menopause [1][3]. Lifestyle factors such as screen time, environmental exposures, health status, medication use, and age determine how dry eye symptoms manifest and how severe they become during this stage in life.
Managing these factors can help mitigate symptom severity [1][4]. Some simple measures include using lubricating eye drops, wearing sunglasses when leaving the house, reducing screen time, and reducing airflow by avoiding sitting in front of a fan.
Prescription medication options include immunomodulatory eye drops such as Restasis (cyclosporine), corticosteroid or steroid eye drops, and oral antibiotics. In cases where dry eye becomes severe, eye surgery may be necessary. Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, increasing vitamin D intake, participating in yoga, and practising mindful breathing techniques can also provide relief.
Treatment options for dry eye include over-the-counter medication, prescription medication, and alternative treatments. In some cases, herbal supplements such as St. John's wort can be an alternative treatment for dry eyes during menopause.
There is some discussion within the scientific community about using hormone therapy to treat menopause-related dry eye, but there is little research to show that the treatment is effective in reducing dry eye symptoms [6]. Guidelines from 2014 suggest that it is possible to control menopausal symptoms through diet, with a Mediterranean diet, which consists of grains, potentially delaying the onset of menopausal symptoms [7].
In sum, understanding the factors that contribute to dry eye during menopause can help individuals take steps to manage their symptoms and maintain eye health. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential for a personalised treatment plan.
- During menopause, the drop in estrogen and androgen levels can cause dry eyes in shoppers, leading to visual discomfort, pain, burning, itchiness, and blurry vision.
- Health conditions like autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and other systemic conditions can worsen dry eye symptoms in women, especially during menopause.
- Retail outlets can offer over-the-counter treatments like lubricating eye drops to help alleviate dry eye symptoms in their naive customers who are experiencing dry eyes due to menopause.
- Pharmacies stock prescription medications such as Restasis (cyclosporine) and corticosteroid eye drops for people struggling with menopause-related dry eyes.
- Women's health pharmacies can be valuable resources for women dealing with menopause and associated dry eyes, as they can provide a range of treatments, including hormone therapies, herbal supplements like St. John's wort, and alternative treatments like acupuncture.
- Eye health is an essential component of overall health-and-wellness during menopause, and dry eyes is a medical-condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life due to its symptoms like redness, tired eyes, and light sensitivity.
- People going through menopause with dry eyes should consult a medical professional for a personalised treatment plan that takes into account their specific personas and lifestyle factors.
- Menopausal dry eyes can be managed with simple measures like using lubricating eye drops, wearing sunglasses, reducing screen time, and reducing airflow.
- Adopting a Mediterranean diet, rich in grains, may potentially delay the onset of menopausal symptoms and associated dry eyes.
