Can Menopause Cause Dry Eyes?

A grain of sand being swept into your eye at the beach or a long stretch of computer work can cause temporary eye discomfort but imagine your eyes feeling like that all the time.

That’s the reality for many menopausal women, with 62% suffering from dry eye syndrome at this life stage (1). This can make completing work activities, day-to-day tasks and even just enjoying life incredibly challenging.

If this sounds all too familiar, you might want to understand why you're suddenly experiencing this physical complaint and what you can do to reduce the irritation. This article explains the connection between menopause and dry eyes, outlines management options and discusses long-term risks if left untreated.

Can menopause cause dry eyes?

Yes, menopause can cause dry eyes. It’s an incredibly common menopause symptom yet according to the Society of Women’s Health Research, 86% didn’t realise there was a connection between the two (1).

Every time you blink, your eyes release a tear film that's a mixture of water, oil and mucous. This coats the surface of the eye and provides much-needed lubrication that keeps the eyes hydrated and comfortable.

During menopause, hormonal changes, particularly the decline in oestrogen and androgens, can affect tear production and the quality of your tears. The meibomian and lacrimal glands, which produce the essential oils found in tears, are impacted and this results in increased tear evaporation and drier eyes (2).

It’s similar to why many women suffer from skin issues in menopause. When oestrogen declines, so do the collagen and natural oils that keep the skin moisturised and supple.

Learn more about itchy skin in menopause.

Other causes of dry eyes during menopause

Ageing is the largest cause of dry eyes as when individuals become older, the production of tears decreases. Although this happens in men and women, postmenopausal women are most affected as a result of the permanent hormonal changes that occur in menopause (3).

Other causes of dry eyes include:

Contact lenses
Extended screen time
Air-conditioned or heated environments
Windy, dry or dusty conditions
Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Certain medications including antihistamines, some heart medications, diuretics and birth control pills
Blepharitis
Sjögren’s syndrome
Lupus
Diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis
Graves’ disease (3,4)

Symptoms of dry eyes during menopause

The symptoms of dry eyes in menopause will usually affect both eyes. However, it’s possible you may only experience symptoms, or symptoms may be more severe, in one eye.

Signs of dry eyes include:

Feeling like there’s something in your eyes
A gritty or scratchy feeling
Burning
Stinging
Watery or teary eyes
Redness
Soreness
Eyestrain
Light sensitivity
Mucus that makes the eyes feel glued shut
Blurred vision
Eye tiredness, heaviness or fatigue
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Finding driving at night more difficult (4,5)

Declining hormones in menopause can cause other physical and emotional symptoms too. You can learn more about them in our extensive guide to menopause symptoms.

Can HRT help with dry eyes?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help with dry eyes during menopause, but its effectiveness varies from person to person. Some studies suggest that oestrogen and progesterone can influence tear production and quality, potentially easing dryness. However, research is mixed, with some findings indicating that HRT could actually worsen symptoms in certain women (6,7).

If you're experiencing dry eyes and considering HRT, it's worth discussing your symptoms with a healthcare professional. They can help assess whether HRT is a suitable option for you based on your age, medical history and other menopause symptoms, as well as discuss other management strategies.

Learn more about hormone replacement therapy.

How to treat dry eyes during menopause

Managing dry eyes during menopause often requires a multi-pronged approach, as what works for one person may not work for another. Finding the right combination of treatments can take time, but with the right strategies, you can ease discomfort, increase eye hydration and improve your quality of life.

Medication and medical treatments

For some women, medication is the first line of treatment for dry eyes. The best eye drops for menopause dry eyes are lubricating or artificial tears, which help to replenish moisture and relieve irritation. In some cases, prescription treatments may be necessary to reduce inflammation or stimulate tear production.

Artificial tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops provide moisture and relief from dryness. Look for preservative-free options if you use them frequently (8).
Gel drops and ointments: Thicker than standard eye drops, these can provide longer-lasting hydration, especially overnight. Examples include Viscotears and Lacri-Lube (8).
Mucolytic eye drops: Such as ILube, help to break up mucus in your tears (8).
Prescription eye drops: Some medications help lubricate the eye, reduce inflammation and encourage natural tear production. Hypromellose is most frequently used but treatments which contain sodium hyaluronate, hydroxypropyl guar, carmellose sodium or paraffin may also be used (9).

If medication isn’t suitable, other medical interventions may be recommended. For example, your doctor may recommend punctal plugs. These tiny inserts go into the opening of the tear ducts, blocking tear drainage and keeping moisture on the eye’s surface for longer (8).

Lifestyle adjustments

Daily habits can have a big impact on eye health. Making small changes can help keep your eyes comfortable and prevent further dryness.

Clean your eyelids every day: This can help unclog the meibomian gland and encourage oil production.
Blink more often: Consciously blinking, especially when using screens, can help spread tears evenly across the eyes.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports tear production and overall eye moisture.
Avoid alcohol and smoking: As these can cause dehydration and inflammation, and disrupt your tear’s composition.
Wear wraparound sunglasses: These provide extra protection from wind and harsh sunlight, which can exacerbate dryness.
Rest your eyes: If you wear contact lenses, remove them and wear glasses regularly to rest your eyes (4, 10,11).

Environmental changes

Your surroundings also play a big role in eye hydration. Simple adjustments can create a more eye-friendly environment.

Limit screen time: Staring at screens reduces blinking, leading to more dryness. Take regular breaks to rest your eyes.
Change your screen position: Make sure your computer screen is just below eye level to avoid strain.
Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air, especially in dry climates or heated indoor spaces, can prevent eye irritation.
Avoid direct airflow: Fans, air conditioning, and heating vents can dry out your eyes, so try to keep them from blowing directly at you.
Avoid exacerbating environments: Such as smoky and dusty areas (4,10).

Natural remedies

Some women find relief from dry eyes with natural approaches, which can complement or be used in place of medical treatments.

Warm compresses: Applying a warm, damp cloth to your eyes can help unclog oil glands, improving tear quality.
Aloe vera: Gently applying aloe vera gel around (but not in) the eyes may help soothe irritation and reduce inflammation and redness.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Oily fish or omega-3 supplements can help the oil-producing glands function more effectively
Potassium: Potassium is a component of tear film, the thin layer that protects the eye. Eating potassium-rich foods such as yoghurt, bananas and sweet potatoes can help maintain a healthy tear film (10,12,13).

Long-term care and considerations

Dry eye symptoms may not completely go away after menopause and it’s possible that they can even get worse if not properly managed.

Complications of untreated dry eye syndrome include:

Eye infections such as conjunctivitis
Keratitis
Abrasions and inflammation of the cornea
Corneal ulcers
Inability to wear contact lenses
Vision problems
Trouble reading and/or driving
Photophobia
Depression (2,14)

If you’ve tried to manage your dry eye symptoms and home with no success, talking to a pharmacist is a good next step. They will be able to advise on over-the-counter treatment options and can tell you whether you need to see an optician or GP.

You should seek immediate medical advice if:

There’s any change to the shape of your eyelid
Your eye is red and painful
You have any changes to your sight such as loss of vision or wavy lines
It’s painful to look at light
Your eye pain is accompanied by a headache or feeling sick
Your eye or eyes are very dark red (4)

During menopause, dry eyes may be one of many symptoms you experience. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the physical and emotional changes that are happening, you aren’t alone and there’s support available. At Menopause Care, our team of specialists help women navigate this life stage and empower them to take control of their own well-being with evidence-based advice and tailored treatment recommendations. To get started, book a consultation with a menopause doctor.

DisclaimerAt Menopause Care, we ensure that everything you read in our blog is medically reviewed and approved. However, the information provided is not meant to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.

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