It is known that about 61% of women in the perimenopausal and menopausal stages are affected by dry eyes.
The connection between dry eyes and menopause is an issue that many women face. Menopause is a natural process in which a woman’s reproductive hormones change, leading to the end of her menstrual cycle and fertility. During this time, women may experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including insomnia, hot flashes, sweating, depression, and dry eyes.
What Are Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are caused by a decrease in tear production. Tears are essential for keeping the eyes healthy and hydrated.
The symptoms of dry eyes can range from mild to severe, and they can affect the quality of life. Symptoms of dry eyes include redness, burning, itching, stinging, and a feeling of having something in the eye. Other symptoms can include blurred vision, light sensitivity, and an increased risk of eye infection.
How Menopause Causes Dry Eyes
During menopause, estrogen, progesterone, and androgen decrease. When androgen decreases, it affects the lacrimal and meibomian glands of the eyelids, leading to inflamed eyelids and a decreased tear product and tear quality. This eventually results to dry eyes syndrome.
Other studies found that estrogen levels play an essential role in causing dry eyes. This is why, for some women, when they are taking birth control pills, or during their monthly cycle, there is an increase in dry eye symptoms.
What Are the Effects of Dry Eyes
The most common symptoms of dry eyes are a feeling of grittiness or sand in the eyes, eyes that feel tired and heavy, a burning sensation in the eyes, and redness in the eyes. If left untreated, dry eyes can lead to a condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), which is an inflammation of the cornea and the conjunctiva.
Dry eyes can also cause a decrease in tear production, which can lead to an increased risk of eye infections. This is because the tears contain an enzyme called lysozyme, which helps to protect the eyes from bacteria and other pathogens. Without enough tears, these infections can take hold and cause further damage to the eyes.
In addition, dry eyes can cause a decrease in the quality of vision. This is because the tears help to keep the eyes lubricated and the cornea clear. Without enough tears, the vision can become blurred, and it can be difficult to focus.
Finally, dry eyes can also have an impact on the overall quality of life. People with dry eyes are more likely to experience headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. This can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks and can lead to depression and anxiety.
Therefore, it is crucial to seek treatment (such as hormone replacement therapy) for dry eyes, especially during menopause, in order to reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life.
What Can You Do to Treat Dry Eyes During Menopause at Home
Dry eyes associated with menopause can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent and manage this condition.
One of the most essential preventive measures to take is to avoid environmental irritants such as smoke, dust, and wind. These can all contribute to dry eyes.
Using artificial tears can also help keep the eyes moist. Artificial tears are available over the counter and come in both preservative-free and preservative-containing varieties, recommended for those with dry eyes because preservatives can be irritating.
Finally, eye masks can also be helpful in relieving dry eyes. These masks can be used to create a humid environment that helps keep the eyes moist. They can also help reduce irritation and inflammation.
Conclusion
Dry eyes associated with menopause can be an uncomfortable and irritating condition, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce its symptoms. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, these symptoms can be managed to provide relief. So, if you are a woman going through menopause and are experiencing dry eyes, don't despair—there’s hope. After all, life is too short to suffer through dry eyes!
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