"My Eyes Just Don’t Feel Right Anymore" — A Look at Dry Eye and Menopause
As an optometrist in my 50s, I often see my own life reflected in the exam room. One recent appointment really stuck with me—not just because of the clinical picture, but because of how deeply I understood what my patient was going through.
Let me tell you about Sarah (not her real name, of course), a warm, energetic 52-year-old woman who sat down in my chair a few months ago. She started the conversation with something I hear often:
"My eyes just don’t feel right anymore."
She wasn’t sure how to describe it exactly—just that her eyes felt dry, irritated, and “tired all the time.” Sometimes they watered excessively, especially outside in the wind. Reading and working on the computer had become more frustrating. Her vision fluctuated throughout the day, and she felt like her contact lenses weren’t as comfortable as they used to be.
Recognizing the Hormonal Link
As we talked, Sarah mentioned she was in the midst of menopause—hot flashes, disrupted sleep, mood changes, the works. And right there was the key. While many people don’t realize it, menopause has a significant impact on the eyes.
When estrogen and androgen levels drop, it affects the meibomian and lacrimal glands—two essential parts of the tear production system. The result is often a thinner, unstable tear film that evaporates too quickly, leading to that familiar gritty, burning sensation.
I shared this with Sarah, and her relief was immediate.
“You mean this is actually part of menopause? No one ever mentioned this to me—not even my GP.”
She’s far from alone. Many women in their 40s and 50s develop dry eye symptoms during this transition, but it’s rarely discussed. And it’s not “just dry eyes”—it’s a quality-of-life issue that can affect everything from driving to reading, from productivity at work to simply feeling comfortable in your own body.
A Personal Understanding
I understood Sarah's frustration more than she realized. Around the same time in my own life, I had started noticing similar symptoms—grittiness, sensitivity, and eye fatigue that crept up on me by midday. As a clinician, I recognized it. As a woman, I felt it.
Our shared experience led to a deeper conversation—not just about artificial tears and omega-3 supplements, but about how we, as women, often normalize discomfort during menopause without realizing how treatable it can be.
Treatment and Empowerment
For Sarah, we started a customized plan:
- Preservative-free artificial tears, used consistently throughout the day
- Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene, to support her meibomian glands
- Omega-3 supplements for anti-inflammatory benefits
- A gentle lid spray to stabilize her tear film
- Nighttime ointment for better overnight protection
We also discussed her environment (like avoiding direct air conditioning), hydration, and screen time habits. Within a few weeks, she reported marked improvement—not just in symptoms, but in confidence.
What I Want More Women to Know
Dry eye doesn’t have to be something you simply “live with.” If you’re going through menopause and notice changes in how your eyes feel—speak up. Your symptoms are valid, and there are solutions that work.
And if your optometrist brings it up first, don’t be surprised—we’re starting to have these conversations more often, and it’s about time.
Sarah’s story is one of many, but it’s a reminder of something important: just because a symptom is common doesn’t mean it’s normal or untreatable. Whether you’re in the middle of menopause, just beginning the transition, or years past it, your eye comfort still matters.
If you’ve been quietly dealing with similar symptoms, know that help is available—and I’d be happy to talk with you about it. From one woman to another, you deserve to see clearly and feel comfortable every step of the way.