Menopause and Dry Eye Disease: How Hormones Impact Eye Health

Postmenopausal women show a higher rate of dry eye disease than those in the perimenopausal phase, according to new findings to be presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society in Orlando from October 21 to 25. While symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness are widely recognized during the menopause transition, dry eyes are an often-overlooked condition that tends to intensify during midlife (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Risk of Dry Eye Disease Increases During Menopause Transition

Go to source). Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes fail to produce adequate tears or when tears evaporate too rapidly. This leads to irritation, dryness, and discomfort, which can escalate to infections and surface damage if left untreated. Individuals with this condition frequently report sensations of burning, grittiness, and redness accompanied by inflammation.

Hormonal Shifts and Contributing Factors in Dry Eye Disease

Various factors heighten the risk of dry eye disease, including age, allergies, and autoimmune conditions. Certain medications, such as those used for managing high blood pressure and depression, can also contribute to its development. Additionally, sex hormones play a crucial role in tear production, influencing ocular health during hormonal changes.

A new cross-sectional analytical observation involving more than 3,500 women with an average age of 52 examined the occurrence, symptoms, and prevalence of dry eye disease among premenopausal and postmenopausal women through the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire. The study also explored menopause as a potential risk factor, along with autoimmune disease history, tobacco use, and contact lens wear.

How Common is Dry Eye in Menopause?

The findings showed that 57.38 percent of menopausal women were affected by dry eye disease compared to 53.22 percent of premenopausal women, based on Ocular Surface Disease Index scores.

Further insights from the abstract titled “Dry Eye Disease: An Unrecognized Problem in Clinical Practice” will be discussed at The Menopause Society’s 2025 Annual Meeting.

Lead author Debora Yankelevich from Hospital de Clinicas Jose de San Martin in Buenos Aires, Argentina, emphasized that healthcare providers should routinely inquire about dry eye symptoms during consultations. Raising awareness and understanding of this condition can lead to earlier diagnosis and prevent long-term ocular complications.

Why Early Detection and Hormonal Awareness Matter

Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of The Menopause Society, explained that it is crucial to separate the effects of aging from hormonal influences on health. She highlighted the growing knowledge about changes in eye health among midlife women. Detecting dry eye disease early allows for customized treatments that help maintain comfort, vision clarity, and the overall health of the ocular surface.

To sum up, the growing evidence linking menopause to dry eye disease highlights the critical need for awareness among both women and healthcare professionals. Hormonal changes during and after menopausecan quietly affect tear production and eye comfort — but recognizing the signs early can help prevent lasting discomfort and protect long-term vision.

Reference:

1. Risk of Dry Eye Disease Increases During Menopause Transition - (https://menopause.org/press-releases/risk-of-dry-eye-disease-increases-during-menopause-transition)

Source-Medindia