When your hormones fluctuate during menopause, your vision may suffer as well. Although you may not associate eye problems with menopause, one problem is particularly prevalent is dry eye. Discover what you can do to alleviate the symptoms.

Dry eyes, or a decrease in tear production, affect approximately 60% of menopausal women. Tired, itchy, or red eyes are symptoms. Your eyes may feel scratchy or gritty. You may experience blurriness and light sensitivity.

Changes During Menopause

Menopause marks the end of every woman's reproductive years and typically occurs in her late 40s or early 50s. During this time, many hormonal changes occur. As a result, women going through menopause stop having periods for at least a year. However, some of the best ophthalmologists in Mumbai believe hormonal changes can have an impact on other body parts, including the eyes.

Effects of Menopause on The Eyes

Some hormones produced prior to menopause, such as androgen and oestrogen, are involved in tear production. When a woman reaches menopause, her body naturally produces fewer hormones. As a result, menopausal women are more likely to cry less (or tears of lower quality than before menopause). These changes persist in postmenopausal women because their hormone levels have permanently changed.

The two most common causes of dry eyes are low tear production and low-quality tear production. Although these conditions can be caused by a variety of factors, hormone changes caused by menopause can increase the risks.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes During Menopause

Dry eyes during menopause can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Some common symptoms listed out by the best ophthalmologists in Mumbai include:

  • A sandy or gritty sensation in the eyes
  • Burning or stinging eyes
  • Redness or irritation
  • Blurry vision
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Eye fatigue or strain, especially after prolonged periods of reading, using a computer, or doing other close work.

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's important to speak with your doctor or an eye care professional to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan. With the right care and management, it's possible to find relief from the discomfort of dry eyes during menopause.

Diagnosing Dry Eyes

Diagnosing dry eyes can be difficult, as there are numerous other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. If you have been experiencing dryness or irritation in your eyes for more than three months, it's important to see the Best Ophthalmologist in Mumbai. Some of the treatments include:

  • Common tests for dry eyes include:
  • Tear film break-up time (TBUT)
  • Schirmer test
  • Rose Bengal staining

Treatments for Dry Eyes

Prescription Eye Drops: If you're struggling with dry eyes, your doctor may prescribe a solution of hyaluronic acid. This can be used with artificial tears or as a replacement for them if they're not helping enough.

Artificial Tears: These are over-the-counter drops that help lubricate the surface of your eye and relieve dryness symptoms such as stinging or burning. They come in both gel and liquid forms; try different brands until one works best for you!

Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion): This medication is FDA-approved for treating chronic dry eye syndrome (also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca), which makes it an excellent option if you have severe symptoms that aren't responding well to other treatments like punctal plugs or artificial tears alone.

Punctal Plugs: These tiny silicone implants go into small openings called "puncta" located near where tears drain out of our eyes; once inserted into place, they act like dams preventing excess moisture from escaping back into our tear ducts, thus reducing any remaining discomfort caused by excessive evaporation during times when humidity levels drop below normal levels.

Vission Eyes: One of The Best Eye Surgeons in Mumbai

Vission Eyes is widely recognized as one of the best eye surgeons in Mumbai. With years of experience and expertise in the field of ophthalmology, Vission Eyes has earned a reputation for providing high-quality eye care services to patients. The clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment, and the team of experienced eye doctors and surgeons is committed to providing personalized care and treatment to each patient. With a commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction, Vission Eyes has become a trusted name in eye care in Mumbai and beyond.