Dry eyes and menopause: what you need to know

Your eyes need tear fluid to work properly. When you blink, tear fluid is spread thinly and evenly over the surface of the eye. This is what we call tear film. It provides protection and keeps the eye smooth and moist. Tear film is essential for clear, comfortable vision. So it’s very important!  

The sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone enhance and maintain the condition of mucous membranes in the body and thus also the production of tear film components, including tear fluid.   

The changes in hormone levels leading up to menopause cause changes all over the body, including the mucous membranes and glands that keep eyes moist and hydrated. Low oestrogen levels reduce the effectiveness of your mucous membranes and tears, which can result in dry and painful eyes. 

Many women experience a host of symptoms as they go through menopause, such as hot flashes, sleep problems and mood swings. 

• Dry eye surface 
• Burning or stinging eyes 
• Red eyes 
• Blurred vision 
• Eye discharge 
• Excessive tearing (due to dryness or irritation), which can make eyes even drier 

Falling oestrogen can dry out mucous membranes throughout the body, also in the mouth, nose, throat, lungs and vagina. More about vaginal dryness. 

According to research, up to 80 percent of women with menopausal symptoms experience dry eyes to some degree, but many do not associate their symptoms with menopause. Although it is a common symptom that can occur at any stage of the menopausal transition. dry eyes are especially common in women past menopause, in postmenopause.  

The symptoms are different for each woman. Some women have a dry or gritty sensation in the eyes, others experience pain and blurry vision. Women are more prone to dry eyes than men due to hormonal changes which occur throughout their lives. But not to worry, relief may be in sight (pun intended)! There's a lot you can do in your daily life to manage the symptoms of dry eyes and, if necessary, dry eyes can also be treated with medication. 

Anything that makes your eyes sparkle, you must do (or so they say). And we couldn’t agree more. Here are some things you can do to take care of your eyes as you go through menopause. 

• Make healthy and varied food choices. Research has shown that eating the right foods (foods rich in zeaxanthin, lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins C, zinc and Vitamin E) help protect your vision.  
• Avoid air currents, such as those caused by fans and hair dryers. Air conditioning and heating can also cause dryness to increase. Open windows to let fresh air in, or use humidifiers to reduce atmospheric dryness. 
• Blink! It's important to fully blink to completely lubricate your eyes, especially when you're using screens a lot.   
• Protect your eyes from the wind and sun by wearing good quality sunglasses or bike glasses. Walking or riding a bike in the wind can irritate your eyes.  
• Using eye drops or artificial tears can also provide temporary relief.