Skip to main content
Yesnick 1000 Reviews Emblem Blk
Home » The Las Vegas Eye Care Blog » What’s the Link Between Dry Eye and Menopause?

What’s the Link Between Dry Eye and Menopause?

Dry Eye and Menopause 640Around 61% of perimenopausal and menopausal women are affected by dry eye syndrome.

During menopause, the body produces less estrogen, progesterone, and androgen, causing a variety of uncomfortable symptoms such as sweating, insomnia, and hot flashes.

Among these physical symptoms is dry eyes, characterized by dry, itchy and burning eyes.

If you're experiencing dry eyes, contact Yesnick Vision Center today for effective and lasting dry eye treatment.

Biological Changes That Affect Your Eyes 

During menopause, the androgen hormone decreases, affecting the meibomian and lacrimal glands in the eyelids. The meibomian glands produce the essential oils for the tears, so the reduction in oil results in increased tear evaporation and drier eyes.

When these fluid and oil-producing glands are affected, the eyelids can become inflamed, reducing tear quality and production, resulting in dry eye syndrome.

Some researchers believe that dry eye is connected to changes in estrogen levels. This explains why many women experience dry eye symptoms during certain times of a woman’s monthly cycle, or while taking birth control pills.

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome

  • Red eyes
  • Burning in the eyes
  • Itchy eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Gritty feeling in the eyes
  • The feeling something is caught in your eye. Excessive tearing

How Is Hormone-Related Dry Eye Treated?

Because reduced hormones during and after menopause can cause meibomian gland dysfunction, treatment should be focused on reducing dry eye symptoms.

Dry eye treatments can include:

  • Artificial tears
  • Lubricating eye drops
  • Eyelid hygiene
  • Oral antibiotics
  • Corticosteroid eye drops
  • Medications that reduce eyelid inflammation
  • Punctal plugs - to reduce tear flow away from the eyes

Frequently Asked Questions with Dr. David Yesnick

 

Q: Are there home remedies to treat dry eye syndrome?

  • A: Yes. Here are a few things you can do at home to reduce dry eye symptoms.Limit your screen time. People who work at a computer all day blink less, which harms the tear film. Remember to take frequent breaks and to blink.
    Protect your eyes. Sunglasses that wrap around your face can block dry air and wind.
    Avoid triggers. Irritants like pollen and smoke can make your symptoms more severe.
    Try a humidifier. Keeping the air around you moist may help.
    Eat right. A diet rich in vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids can encourage healthy tear production.
    Warm Compress. A warm compress will improve oil flow through your eyelid glands and clean your eyelids.

Q:Can dry eye syndrome damage your eyes?

  • A: Yes. Without sufficient tears, your eyes are not protected from the outside world, leading to an increased risk of eye infections. Severe dry eye syndrome can lead to abrasions or inflammation on the cornea, the front surface of the eye. This can cause pain, a corneal ulcer, and long-lasting vision problems.Menopause causes many changes throughout your body. If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms due to hormonal changes, contact Yesnick Vision Center to find out what dry eye treatments are available to give your eyes relief.


Yesnick Vision Center serves patients from Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Summerlin, and Henderson, all throughout Nevada.


Book An Appointment
Call Us 702-500-0525

Book an Appointment


Reviews
Yesnick Vision Center is thee best place for all your optical needs! I only wished I discovered his practice sooner since moving from NorCal. Before Dr. Yesnick I’ve had a 30+ year relationship with my previous Optometrist and I am confident that I’ve finally found my next Optometrist for the next 30+ years. Dr. Yesnick and his staff are absolutely a class act. Knowledgeable, Professional, and Personable. The optical equipment they have is state of the art, the office/facility very clean and well organized. Best part is that they have a HUGE selection of eyeglass frames to choose from.
8 hours ago
- Steve S.
Sometimes God places angels right here on Earth. Sight is sometimes taken for granted but if you lose it, it changes your life. I would like to thank the staff for their professionalism with my husband and my son. A pure miracle when all hope was lost. I am so grateful for the doctors and the staff and their commitment to help people see again. I look forward to working together to change lives. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! I would recommend this facility to anyone struggling with low vision.
14 hours ago
- Roxanne N.
Always a delightful experience when we come to this office. I bring the entire family for appointments and they never have an issue with it and always accept us with a smile. Doc is amazing with my children and is very through in doing his exams. Wouldn't go any place else.
7 days ago
- Michiko H.
Amazing service, start to finish! Best eye exam/service I’ve ever had! Professional start to finish, thorough, a detailed, all my needs met, and question's answered. Recommend to everyone
1 week ago
- Tj
Had excellent service from check-in on out. David and Christopher were very efficient in answering all of my questions. Thank you guys for your awesome service.
1 week ago
- charissa W.
Excellent & friendly service. Reasonable prices
1 week ago
- Robert T.
I have been a patient at Yesnick for many years! The staff are wonderful and I feel appreciated as a patient.
2 weeks ago
- Yvonne R.