Research highlights dry eye as an unknown menopause symptom

Nearly half of menopausal women experience dry eyes, yet fewer than one in four are aware the condition can be linked to menopause, according to new research published by Specsavers during Dry Eye Awareness Month this July.

The survey of 1000 menopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women also found that a range of other symptoms, including a burning tongue, digestive issues and tingling limbs, remain largely unrecognised as part of the menopausal transition.

The research reported 42% of respondents experience dry eyes, which they attributed to causing their vision to feel gritty (38%), itchy (31%), blurry (30%), and light-sensitive (18%).

Despite this symptom impacting almost one in two menopausal women, only 23% of respondents were aware that dry eyes were linked to the menopause.

Specsavers highlighted that dry eye is not currently listed on the official NHS website page for menopause symptoms.

Responding to the survey findings and providing advice, Dr Zoe Williams, GP, TV personality and Specsavers partner, said: “Hormonal fluctuations, particularly drops in oestrogen, cause systemic changes throughout the body. They alter blood pressure, nerve signalling, gut motility, and drastically reduce tear, saliva, and natural oil production. This triggers a range of symptoms that women simply do not expect.

Williams emphasised that, “around one in three people experience dry eye symptoms, rising to one in two menopausal women due to declining oestrogen levels.”

“Taking screen breaks, wearing sunglasses and adding omega-3s to your diet may help,” she added.

Leanne Lindsay, optometrist from Specsavers Lisburn, shared that the practice regularly sees menopausal women experiencing dry eyes, “often without realising it can be linked to hormonal changes.”

“It’s a surprisingly common issue which can be very uncomfortable, and which many women don’t realise there is treatment for. The treatment can make a significant difference - not just to comfort, but to the quality of vision day-to-day,” Lindsay said.

Specsavers has rolled out Zest treatment for dry eye in its practices across the UK.