Post-Menopausal Dry Eye

Many of the symptoms that surround menopause are well-documented. Bone loss, hot flashes, and night sweats are just a few of the delights that await a woman as she gets older. What’s not as well known, however is that menopause can also come with dry eyes. Why does this happen? More importantly, what can be done about it?

Dry eye symptoms vary between people. Some talk about dry, itchy eyes that are just generally uncomfortable, while others describe red eyes, a burning feeling, blurred vision, or a sense of having something in the eye. These symptoms may worsen with time spent in front of a computer.

What causes dry eyes in menopausal women? There are a few theories that have been floated on this topic. Some believe it has to do with a decrease in hormones that leads to slower tear production. Other doctors theorize that the chemical disruptions experienced by menopausal women can make the tear film less healthy. No matter what the dry eye causes may be, there are some options for treating it.

Dry eye treatment can include prescription or over-the-counter eye drops, dietary supplements, and warm compresses. Your doctor might also recommend certain in-office procedures or lid scrubs. New medications and treatments for dry eye conditions are continually being developed, so talk to your doctor about which treatments are right for you. It’s especially important to address the issue of your dry eyes with your doctor if you’re considering refractive surgery. Because procedures like that can cause dry eye symptoms to worsen, you and your doctor will need to find a solution for your dry eye before you commit to the surgery. Otherwise, your post-surgical visual outcome may not be as good as you’d hoped.

Regardless of whether or not you have a compelling reason like pending surgery, it’s extremely important to do something about dry eye before it gets worse. Excessive dry eyes can cause problems with your eyes over time by damaging eye tissue, scarring the corneas, and impairing your vision. If you don’t have a regular eye doctor currently, make an appointment with a well-qualified ophthalmologist or optometrist as soon as possible to get your dry eye under control.

If you’re looking for an ophthalmologist or optometrist in Derry, Raymond, Londonderry or Windham, Spindel Eye Associates is here for you. Celebrating over thirty-five years in eye care, we proudly provide our patients with personalized eye care, using top of the line technology. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 603.421.6536 or contact us through our website.