Perimenopause

Most women typically think about hot flashes, osteoporosis and insomnia when it comes to perimenopausal symptoms, not itchy or sensitive eyes. Yet, women are more affected by eye disease than men and dry eye syndrome in particular is commonly associated with menopause. In the United States, millions of people age 50 or older have dry eye syndrome with the majority of these being women.

Ocular dryness results from a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication on the surface of the eye due to tear deficiency or excessive tear evaporation. There are many causes including medications, smoking, LASIK surgery and environmental conditions. But dry eye syndrome is more frequent in post-menopausal women, affecting about 60% of menopausal women, due to hormonal fluctuations. Although symptoms typically begin as mild, if left untreated, the cornea can become scarred or infection may result.

Do You Suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome?

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:

• Persistent dryness
• Scratchy or gritty feeling
• Stringy mucus
• Irritation
• Burning
• Feeling as if something is in the eye
• Watery eyes
• Redness
• Contact lens intolerance
• Light sensitivity

Treatment for Dry Eyes

Since dry eye syndrome can progress from subtle irritation to inflammation or infection of eye tissues, a visit to an eye specialist is recommended if symptoms persist. Treatment typically begins with the application of artificial tears, lubricating eye drops or gels, applied every few hours. Lubricating eye ointments are thicker, last much longer and are typically used to lubricate the eyes overnight.

If symptoms persist, drops containing cyclosporine may be prescribed to decrease the inflammation associated with dryness.

Healthy Aging Eyes

In addition to dry eye syndrome, other eye diseases may arise post-menopause. The leading causes of vision impairment and blindness are primarily age related eye diseases. Cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are all major health concerns with aging – with a greater prevalence of glaucoma and macular degeneration in women. There seems to be a link between the onset of menopause and macular degeneration – the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans aged 65 and older.

The number of women with age-related eye disease is expected to double within the next three decades. A recent study published in the journal Ophthalmology reports that postmenopausal women using hormone therapy for a long period of time may be at an increased risk for cataract extraction, especially those drinking more than one alcoholic drink daily.

For maintaining healthy eyes as you age, strive for a complete exam with an eye specialist every 1 to 2 years, taking extra care if you have diabetes or a family history of eye disease. Diabetic retinopathy causes 12,000 to 24,000 new cases of blindness each year – a number on the rise with the relentless diabetes epidemic.

Menopause marks a transition to new health risks for women but with lifestyle adjustments and proactive medical care, these risks can be managed. For many, eye health has never been a concern in the past, but like many other changes that occur as we age, it should become a consideration as we schedule our annual health exams and forge a new path post-menopause for healthy aging.

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