Dry Eyes During the Menopause

Many women expect hot flushes or sleep changes during menopause, but dry eyes often come as a surprise.

If your eyes often feel irritated, gritty, sensitive, or unusually tired, hormonal changes may be playing a bigger role than you realise. While dry eyes may seem like a minor inconvenience, they can affect comfort, productivity, and overall quality of life.

Why Menopause Can Affect the Eyes

Oestrogen helps support moisture production in different parts of the body, including the eyes.

As hormone levels decline during menopause, tear production and tear quality may also change. This can leave the eyes feeling dry, uncomfortable, or more sensitive to light and screen use.

For some women, symptoms become especially noticeable when reading, driving, or spending long hours on digital devices.

Common Symptoms to watch for 

Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person. Some women experience occasional discomfort, while others find symptoms interfere with daily activities.

Common signs include:

• A gritty or sandy sensation in the eyes
• Burning or stinging feelings
• Redness
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Eye fatigue
• Excessive watering (a reaction to irritation)
• Feeling as though something is stuck in the eye

Because these symptoms often develop gradually, many women do not immediately connect them to menopause.

The Good News: Relief Is Possible

Simple steps can often improve comfort significantly. Steps like using lubricating eye drops, taking screen breaks, staying hydrated, and protecting the eyes from dry air can help support moisture levels.

If symptoms persist, worsen, or begin affecting your daily activities, it may be time to consult an eye care professional.

An optometrist or ophthalmologist can assess the cause of your symptoms and recommend targeted treatments, depending on your needs, options may include prescription eye drops, specialised treatments to improve tear production, or management strategies tailored to your lifestyle.

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