Dry eye disease prevalence increases following menopause

A study examining the prevalence of dry eye disease among women before and after menopause has been presented at the annual meeting of The Menopause Society (21–25 October, Orlando, Florida).

Lead author, Debora Yankelevich, from Hospital de Clinicas Jose de San Martin in Argentina, outlined findings from a survey of 3547 women between the ages of 47 and 58.

Based on Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire scores, 57.38% of menopausal women were experiencing dry eye disease, compared to 53.22% of perimenopausal women.

“As a result of this study, clinicians should add dry eye disease to their routine questionnaires,” Yankelevich said.

The study also found that a history of autoimmune disease, smoking and wearing contact lenses was associated with an elevated risk of dry eye disease.

Dr Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society, emphasised the importance of exploring the influence of ageing and hormones on health.

“We are learning more about changes in eye health in midlife women. Early detection of dry eye disease allows for timely intervention with tailored treatments to preserve comfort, vision quality, and ocular surface health,” she said.