The onset of menopause is inevitable for every woman at some point, along with the moodiness, hot flashes and night sweats that comes with it. Menopause means the hormones are out of balance. And when the hormones are out of balance it can cause another type of discomfort: dry eyes.
According to the Society for Women’s Health Research, approximately 61 percent of premenopausal and menopausal women suffer from dry eyes. Of those, however, only about 16 percent realize menopause is the culprit. Lower hormone levels are believed to affect the composition of tears your eyes produce. This can bring on dryness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, excessive tearing, and that burning, gritty or sandy feeling as if something’s in your eye.
Hormone replacement therapy is considered helpful for alleviating menopausal symptoms. However, a study of more than 25,000 women by the Women’s Health Initiative noted an increased risk of dry eye syndrome in women using this therapy, especially related to estrogen.
Women who experience premenopausal or menopausal symptoms naturally will (and should) consult a doctor, ideally one with a specialty in menopause. He or she often refer patients to an Ophthalmologist with a specialty in dry eye for those symptoms. If not then your regular ophthalmologist should provide options that can help with relief.
Meanwhile, there are things anyone with dry eye symptoms can be doing that can help. First, remember to blink. When we’re really into a book or TV show, we forget the simple act of blinking. Take a quick blink here and there to lubricate your eyes. Also, watch what you eat. Omega-3 fatty acids are good for your heart, and eyes. Many experts suggest eating at least two servings of salmon, tuna or mackerel a week, or taking omega-3 supplements if fish isn’t your cup of tea. Finally, avoid environmental harshness as much as possible. Wearing glasses or sunglasses on windy days; changing or cleaning AC filters regularly and using a humidifier can make a difference in your symptoms.