Menopause leads to the disruption of the hormonal balances in a woman’s body. These imbalances lead to various medical conditions that need immediate attention.
One of these is the Dry Eye Syndrome. It affects both men and women, but older women are more susceptible to it.
Studies have shown that more women suffer from dry eye than men and that they are very likely to have the condition after the age of 40. Menopause has been shown as the cause for this condition in women.
Dry eyes are caused by the disrupted function of the tear ducts causing the wet film over the cornea to dry.
It leads to eye irritation, blurred vision and sometimes can be the cause of infections.
There are many causes, but in older women it is generally caused or aggravated as menopause causes disruption in the chemical signals working to help the tear ducts maintain a tear film.
The decline of the androgen hormone may also be responsible for it. Unfortunately HRT (hormone replacement therapy) does not help with this condition.
If you are in your 40’s and have been diagnosed with dry eyes, it would not be safe to undergo procedures like PRK or LASIK as they will worsen the problem. It is always safer to consult a doctor who will be able to advice you on the issue.
Also you may need to be careful about other associated conditions like thyroid autoimmune disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
If you are inclined to think that a medication you are taking may be responsible for the dry eyes, you should consult your doctor, who will replace the drug and relieve you of the condition.
Some other causes for dry eyes would be an eye infection or inflammation. Your doctor will be able to advise the use of drops or medications to relieve you of the inflammation and the dry eyes issue.
