Why menopause can cause dry, itchy eyes – and how to stop it

Mood swings, hot flushes, and night sweats are a few of the most commonly talked about symptoms of menopause. However, there are additional symptoms that are less talked about, and dry itchy eyes is one of those despite it being very prevalent among menopausal women.

Your body endures various hormonal changes during the menopause transition and is why women look to balance the symptoms with things like the best menopause supplements. 

The above can be great for targeting certain symptoms, but you might still be looking to find out why you are experiencing dry and itchy eyes specifically, and additional ways to calm down this irritation.

The symptom is medically known as Dry Eye Syndrome and, according to the Society of Women’s Health Research, 62% of perimenopausal and menopausal women suffer from it. Typical signs of the symptom include sensitivity to light, dryness, blurred vision and a gritty, sandy feel in the eyes.

The condition occurs when the eyes aren’t making enough tears or the tears dry too quickly depriving the eye of moisture, making it feel dry and irritable. It can also make your eyes appear red and puffy.

Francesca Marchetti, Optometrist from Rohto Dry Aid told us that women going through perimenopause and menopause are more likely to experience dry eyes for a few reasons:

“Firstly, from our 40s onwards the quantity and quality of hyaluronic acid produced by our bodies decreases. This hyaluronic acid is key in retaining moisture. Plus, as we get older the eyes produce fewer tears and these can be poorer quality too,” explains Marchetti.

Three tips to ease dry eyes during menopause

Think you suffer from Dry Eye syndrome? These tips from Marchetti and Rohto Dry Aid should help you ease the irritation:

1. 20 20 20: We need to give our eyes a break from screens every 20 minutes by looking at a distant object (20ft away) for 20 seconds and blink for 20 seconds – it’s called the 20-20-20 screen break rules – and that includes phones and tablets. Every time we blink, a film of tears spreads over the eye which helps to keep the eye smooth and moist. 
2. Catch some ZZZs: It’s during the hours that we are resting, that our body can repair and recover. That goes for our eyes too as the time they are closed is a period when they aren’t being forced to focus. Getting 7 to 8 hours of shuteye can allow for tears to be replenished and eyes to relax. Not getting enough quality sleep? Find yourself one of our best mattress topper entries to make winding down feel extra comfy.
3. Break the cycle: One of the most important things you can do to ease symptoms of dry eyes is to interrupt that vicious circle. You can do this with various eye drops that are sold over the counter, which will provides soothing relief and help hydrate and restore the tear film.