Dry Eye is a Symptom of Menopause

According to a new survey, women suffering from dry eyes could be the hormonal changes that link menopause.

The survey, which was sponsored by the Society for Women's Health Research showed that 62 percent of menopausal and perimenopausal women suffer from dry eye, which causes symptoms like burning, itching or scratchiness, of the eyes, blurred vision and sensitivity to light.

Surprisingly it is found through a survey poll that only 16 percent women were aware that dry eye is a symptom of menopause.

Experts pointed out that, dry eyes should never be ignored since they could lead to irreversible eye damage later on. Dry eye is related to the changing hormone levels of menopause just as much as hot flashes, depression, insomnia and vaginal dryness. Dry eye impacts the quality of life, as well as the physical health, of 10 million Americans each year.

Treatment options for dry eye vary with the cause. There are three treatment options, artificial tears, prescription of drugs or even surgery. Dietary changes can also help in reducing the severity of the symptoms.

Dr. Jeffrey P. Gilbard, of the Harvard Medical School says that, dry eye can be caused by conditions such as lacrimal gland disease that affects tear production, or conditions that decrease corneal sensation, such as LASIK eye surgery, long-term contact lens wear and diabetes.

Source: Earth Times


Filed under Dry Eyes, Eye Treatment |

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