Can menopause cause dry eyes?
Many women notice changes in their bodies during menopause, things like hot flushes, tiredness, and changes in mood. But one symptom that might surprise you is dry eyes.
At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, we often see women who say their eyes feel sore, dry, or watery during or after menopause. They’re not imagining it, the hormone changes that happen during this stage of life can affect your eyes, too.
Let’s take a closer look at why menopause can cause dry eyes, what signs to look out for, and what you can do to feel better.
What is menopause?
Menopause is a natural part of life. It happens when your body stops releasing eggs and your monthly periods come to an end. Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55.
During this time, your hormone levels, especially oestrogen and progesterone, start to drop. These hormones help control many parts of your body, including your skin, bones, and eyes.
When these hormones change, they can affect how your eyes make and hold moisture, leading to dry eye syndrome.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or when your tears dry up too quickly.
Healthy tears are made up of three layers:
- Oil: helps keep your tears from drying too fast.
- Water: keeps your eyes moist.
- Mucus: spreads the tears smoothly across your eye.
If any of these layers are missing or unbalanced, your eyes can feel:
- Dry or gritty
- Sore or stinging
- Watery (yes, dry eyes can water!)
- Blurry, especially after reading or using screens
You may also find it hard to wear contact lenses, or your eyes may look red and irritated.
How does menopause cause dry eyes?
During menopause, your body makes less oestrogen and fewer androgens (another type of hormone). These hormones help your eyes and eyelids stay healthy, so when levels drop, your eyes can become drier.
Here’s what happens:
1. Less tear production
Oestrogen helps your tear glands make moisture. With less oestrogen, your eyes might not produce enough tears to stay comfortable.
2. Weaker oil glands
Your eyelids have tiny oil glands called meibomian glands. These glands make oils that stop your tears from drying out too fast. Hormone changes can cause these glands to slow down or become blocked.
3. Poor tear quality
Even if you still make enough tears, the balance of water, oil, and mucus may be off. This means your tears don’t protect your eyes as well as they should.
4. Other menopause symptoms can add to it
Things like hot flushes, night sweats, and trouble sleeping can also affect hydration in your body, including your eyes.
All of this can make your eyes feel sore, itchy, and irritated more often.
How common is it?
Dry eyes are very common during menopause. Studies show that over half of women going through menopause experience some form of dry eye symptoms.
It’s not just uncomfortable, it can also make your vision blurry and affect how your eyes feel day to day. But the good news is that dry eyes can be treated with the right care.
What are the signs of dry eyes during menopause?
You may notice:
- Burning or stinging
- Eyes that water too much
- Redness or irritation
- Trouble wearing contact lenses
- Feeling like something is in your eye
- Tired or heavy eyes after reading or using screens
If these symptoms sound familiar, you might have dry eyes caused by menopause.
How long does it last?
Dry eyes from menopause can last for months or even years if left untreated. Some women notice symptoms only for a short time, while others need ongoing care to stay comfortable.
Every woman’s experience is different, but with the right help, your eyes don’t have to feel dry forever.
How to soothe dry eyes during menopause
You can take simple steps to help your eyes feel better at home:
1. Use artificial tears
Lubricating eye drops can help replace the moisture your eyes are missing. Choose preservative-free drops for sensitive eyes.
2. Blink more often
When we focus on screens, we blink less, which makes dryness worse. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds and blink a few times.
3. Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can make your eyes drier.
4. Eat omega-3s
Foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts can help improve your tear quality.
5. Use a warm compress
A warm, damp cloth on your eyelids for a few minutes can help open up your oil glands and soothe your eyes.
6. Avoid wind and air conditioning
These can dry your eyes faster. Wear sunglasses outdoors and avoid sitting directly under vents.
When to see an eye specialist
If your eyes are dry all the time, it’s a good idea to get them checked. Dry eyes can get worse over time if not treated.
At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, we offer dry eye assessments to find out exactly what’s causing your symptoms. We check:
- How well your eyes make tears
- How healthy your eyelid glands are
- How quickly your tears evaporate
Once we know the cause, we create a treatment plan just for you. This may include:
- Special eye drops or sprays
- In-office treatments to unblock oil glands
- Advice on daily eye care and lifestyle changes
Our goal is to help your eyes feel comfortable again, every day.
Final thoughts
Menopause affects every woman differently, and dry eyes are one of those symptoms that’s often overlooked. But you don’t have to put up with sore, irritated eyes.
With the right care, you can protect your eyes, reduce discomfort, and get back to seeing clearly and confidently.
If you’re in the Gosforth or Newcastle area, visit My Eye Clinic today to get help from our dry eye specialists.
Take our dry eye suitability self-test now and start your journey toward relief and comfort.
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