Dry eyes are common during the menopausal transition. In fact, more than 50 percent of perimenopausal women experience dry eye symptoms. Dry eyes can be uncomfortable and may make activities such as reading and driving, as well as wearing contact lenses, more difficult.

Learn why your eyes may become drier during menopause, which treatments can help, and when to see an eye doctor.

🗳️ Do you experience dry eyes due to perimenopause or menopause?

Yes

No

I experience something else.

Thanks! You've successfully submitted your vote.

Sign up to view the results!

Continue with Facebook Continue with Google

Continue with Email

By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.

Already a member? Log In

Symptoms of Menopause-Related Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can range from mild to severe and often vary from person to person. Some people notice occasional irritation, and others have symptoms that interfere with everyday activities.

If you’re keeping track of your symptoms, bring your notes to your next appointment. This information can help your eye doctor recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

What Dry Eyes Look and Feel Like

Dry eye symptoms you can feel may include:

• Dryness
• A burning or stinging sensation
• Itchiness
• A feeling of having something in your eye

You may also have visible signs of dry eye, such as redness or excessive tearing.

Although it may seem surprising, dry eyes can cause eyes to become more watery. Irritation can trigger extra watery tears that don’t solve the underlying dry eye problem.

How Dry Eyes Affect Vision

Dry eyes can also affect how clearly and comfortably you see. Symptoms may include:

• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Eye fatigue, especially while reading or using a screen

How Dry Eyes Affect Daily Life

For some people, dry eyes make everyday activities more challenging, including:

• Wearing contact lenses
• Driving, especially at night
• Working on a computer or other screen
• Reading
• Watching TV or doing other activities that require long periods of focused vision

Dry eyes may start as a minor annoyance but become more disruptive over time, especially if symptoms are left untreated. If dry eye symptoms are affecting your daily life, an eye doctor can help identify the cause. They can also recommend treatments to help relieve discomfort and protect your eye health.

The Best Eye Drops and Treatments for Dry Eyes

The best treatment for dry eyes depends on the underlying cause. Your eye doctor can recommend an option based on the cause and severity of your symptoms.

Artificial Tears and Eye Drops

Artificial tears are often one of the first dry eye treatments healthcare providers recommend. Artificial tears and other lubricating eye drops can temporarily relieve discomfort, burning, and irritation by adding moisture to the surface of the eye.

You can choose from many over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, and finding the right one can make a difference. Here are some tips:

• Consider preservative-free artificial tears if you use eye drops more than four times a day. Preservatives that extend the shelf life of eye care products can irritate the eyes, especially with frequent use.
• Avoid products marketed mainly for “red eye relief.” These often contain vasoconstrictors that can worsen symptoms over time.
• Consider lipid-based artificial tears, which may help thicken the tear film and keep tears from evaporating too quickly. Researchers are still exploring which lipid-based products work best for different types of dry eye.

Depending on your symptoms, your eye doctor may recommend eye ointments or gels instead of, or along with, eye drops. Thicker products may provide longer-lasting relief. You may need to try more than one product or a combination of products to find what works best for you.

Prescription Anti-Inflammatory Medications

If artificial tears aren’t enough, your eye doctor may prescribe treatments such as anti-inflammatory eye drops or topical steroids. These medications can help reduce inflammation linked to dry eye disease. Your eye doctor can recommend the best option for you.

In-Office Treatments

Some people with problems affecting the meibomian glands may benefit from in-office treatments, including thermal pulsation and intense pulsed light therapy. These treatments may help improve meibomian gland function and reduce tear evaporation.

In some cases, an eye doctor may recommend punctal plugs. These tiny devices are placed in the openings that drain tears from the eyes, helping tears stay on the eye’s surface longer.

At-Home Care

Simple at-home steps can also support dry eye treatment.

Cleaning your eyelids with eye-safe products can help maintain eyelid hygiene. This may be especially helpful when problems with the oil-producing glands contribute to symptoms. Your eye doctor can recommend products that are safe and appropriate for your eyes.

A warm compress over the eyes may also help loosen oils in the eyelid glands and improve the tear film.

Hormone Therapy and Dry Eyes

Because dry eyes during menopause may be linked to changing hormone levels, some people may wonder whether hormone therapy can help. The answer isn’t entirely clear.

Menopause hormone therapy — also called hormone replacement therapy — can be an effective treatment for hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, and other common menopause symptoms. However, research on whether it helps or worsens dry eyes is mixed.

Some research suggests that estrogen may support the function of the meibomian glands. However, other research suggests that systemic hormone therapy may be linked to a higher risk of dry eye disease.

More research is needed to understand how menopause hormone therapy affects dry eye symptoms. If you’re considering hormone therapy, talk with your doctor about its potential risks and benefits based on your symptoms, health history, and treatment goals.

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Dry Eyes During Menopause

As you consider your treatment options, lifestyle changes may also help. Changing some habits or trying new ones may improve your comfort, support your eye health, and help reduce irritation. Tips to consider include:

• Stay hydrated by drinking fluids throughout the day.
• Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, or ask your healthcare provider about omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
• Take frequent breaks when reading or using a computer to give your eyes a chance to rest.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air.
• Wear sunglasses or other protective eyewear when spending time outdoors.
• Avoid direct airflow from fans, air conditioners, or car vents.

If possible, keep track of your symptoms and what you were doing or where you were when they occurred. This may help you identify habits or environments that seem to make your dry eyes better or worse.

If over-the-counter products don’t provide symptom relief or you notice new or worsening symptoms, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. Menopause-related dry eyes may not improve on their own. The right treatment plan can help relieve symptoms and protect your eye health.