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Dry eyes during the menopause

The menopause means a major hormonal change, especially for women. This can also affect eye health and trigger typical symptoms such as dry eyes, also known as sicca syndrome. You can find out here how to prepare for it.

What is the menopause?

The menopause, medically called the climacteric, is a natural phase of upheaval, during which a woman's body prepares for the change of life. This is the term used to describe the time when the monthly menstrual period stops and a woman's fertility ends. Usually, the menopause begins in the fifth decade of life. During this process, the production of female sex hormones is significantly reduced, which can trigger various complaints.

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What are the first signs of the menopause?

Various physical changes take place as a result of the decrease in oestrogen production. The adjustment period can take several years. Typical menopausal symptoms that women suffer from to a greater or lesser extent are hot flushes and sweats, plus depressive moods and sleep disorders. But the mucous membranes also change due to the hormonal adjustment, which affected women notice as a dry vagina, a dry mouth or dry eyes. 

By the way: Men also notice some changes with increasing age, although they are not as pronounced as in women. However, men can also experience dry eyes.

Why do many women have dry eyes during the menopause?

Normally the lacrimal glands provide regular lubrication of the eyes: They produce tear fluid that covers the cornea and conjunctiva like a protective film. However, with the hormonal changes during the menopause, the lacrimal glands produce less fluid. Furthermore, the composition of the tear film can change. The eyes are therefore often no longer sufficiently lubricated, they dry out and are more susceptible to pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, which can trigger inflammation. 

The tear film contains antibodies against pathogens and provides the cornea with nutrients. It also offers protection against foreign bodies, because intruders are immediately flushed out by the fluid. If your eyes are too dry, they are not only more susceptible to diseases of the eye, but also cause symptoms such as: 

  • painful burning and itching
  • red eyes and eyelids
  • a foreign body sensation
  • watery eyes

Also interesting: What can i do against dry eyes in old age?

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How can I support my eye health during the menopause?

With a few tips, you can prevent your eyes from drying out and promote eye health during the menopause:

  • Avoid smoke and draughts: Do not stay in smoky rooms, turn off the air conditioning and do not point the air vent in the car at your face.
  • Raise the humidity level: Your eyes will not dry out so quickly at a humidity of 60 percent. A quick solution are small bowls of water that you can distribute around the room or place on the radiator. Alternatively, a damp cloth placed on the heater will also help.
  • Protection from sun and wind: UV rays or strong winds quickly irritate and dry the eyes. It is therefore best to wear sunglasses when outdoors.
  • Drink plenty of fluids: The mucous membranes need sufficient fluid from the inside, so you should drink two litres of water or unsweetened tea daily if possible.
  • Take breaks: Anyone who spends a lot of time in front of a computer screen, whether at home or at work, should give their eyes a regular break. Close your eyes, blink several times in succession or look out of the window for a few minutes.
  • Lubricating eye drops: Lubricating eye drops can also reduce the discomfort of dry eyes during the menopause. When buying them, look out for a high-quality eye lubricator without preservatives and phosphates.
  • Eye ointment for the night: To keep your eyes smooth at night and prevent them from hurting from dryness in the morning, eye ointments applied to your eyes before going to bed are suitable.

If the symptoms worsen despite the tips mentioned or if they occur suddenly and particularly severely, you should definitely consult an eye specialist. An infection, conjunctivitis or corneal inflammation for example, can also be behind the symptoms of dry eyes.

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