How to Tackle Dry Eye During Menopause

When it comes to the stage of life when many women go through the hormonal changes that perimenopause and menopause bring, you may notice that you’re suffering more with your eyes as well. Dry eyes can affect anyone at any point in their life. It’s estimated that the condition affects tens of millions of people globally[1] with a quarter of the UK population suffering from the condition. [2]

If you’re suffering from the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease for the first time during this new stage of your life, don’t worry. You’re not alone and there are ways to cope with it. We’ve gathered together tips and tricks for tackling dry eye during menopause.

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease can be caused by a range of reasons that disrupt the healthy tear film of your eyes.[3] The tear film of your eye is made up of three layers – an oily layer, a watery layer, and a mucus layer.[4] Any damage to these films can lead to a lack of sufficient lubricating tears which can cause the feelings of irritation or pain that we call dry eye.[5]  It appears in several forms including Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye, Evaporative Dry Eye, and Mixed Dry Eye.[6]

There’s some evidence that autoimmune conditions may cause inflammation in your lacrimal gland leading to Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye, but there’s no one cause or explanation for the disease. Instead, it’s linked to many conditions including menopause.

Dry eyes can also be irritated by your environment or your lifestyle. You’re more likely to suffer from the condition if you wear contact lenses, if you’re often in dry environments or workplaces (such as offices with air conditioning), or if you’re a smoker or exposed to second-hand smoke.[7]

What are the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease? 

The symptoms of Dry Eye Disease are numerous. You may notice:

Blurred vision
Itchiness or redness of the eye
A feeling of grit or sand in the eye
Sensitivity to light
Excess watering
Blurred vision[8]

However, you might also suffer from other symptoms including red eyelid rims and puffy eyes.[9]

What’s the link between Dry Eye Disease and Menopause? 

Women over 50 are considered at a higher risk for Dry Eye Disease, and research would suggest that it’s due to hormonal changes that take place during perimenopause. During this period in a woman’s life sex hormones like androgens may decrease. An androgen hormone deficiency can affect the ocular surface of the eye, leading to a reduction in the amount of quality of tears produced, therefore contributing to Dry Eye Disease.[10]

Treatment and Prevention 

Luckily, there are steps you can take to treat or prevent Dry Eye Disease, or even to lessen its effects, allowing you to still live a full and rounded life.

Lifestyle Changes 

Lifestyle changes can help you combat the symptoms of dry eye. Smoke can cause irritation of the eyes, making Dry Eye Disease worse. Quitting smoking won’t just help your lungs but may just help your eyes too.[11]

Consider speaking to a medical professional for advice on quitting.

Staying hydrated and drinking more water can also help tear production.[12]

Diet 

When it comes to your diet, there are actually a number of things you can do to actively help aid your tear production and improve your eye health. Research has shown that many vitamins could benefit ocular health including increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.[13]

Supplements 

When it comes to your health, you need to take it seriously. So consider adding food supplements to your daily routine. CoQUN® OS is a food supplement containing coenzyme Q10. Levels of this naturally deplete as we age but can provide the body with energy such as the cells in the retina of your eye. This means that these supplements can help recovery of the tear film of your eye and help improve your ocular health, combatting symptoms of Dry Eye Disease.

Medication and Eye Drops

There are different options for combating the irritation and pain of Dry Eye disease, offering you relief. One great option is Xailin® Night which offers relief of night-time dry eye sensations by providing a lubricating shield to protect the corneal tissue. This will lock in moisture, helping you to sleep soundly at night.

If you’re suffering from Dry Eye Disease during menopause, seek help today. You don’t have to sit and suffer in silence. Take a look at our shop for eye drop options to provide relief today.

References

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