Changes in hormone levels can led to dry eyes, irritation and vision problems...
As we get older and approach menopause, many of us face additional health challenges such as insomnia, aching joints and hot flushes. But did you know menopause can also affect our eyes?
One in two of us suffers from dry eye, a condition that occurs when we don’t produce enough tears or the consistency of the tear changes. It leads to inadequate lubrication of the tear film with inflammation and likely damage to the eye surface. Symptoms can include watery, gritty and itchy eyes, blurred vision, tired eyes, soreness, burning, sensitivity to light and heavy eyelids. The condition is potentially damaging and women are almost twice as likely as men to suffer from it.
Dry eye has many causes — from age to the environment, diet, certain medications and some health conditions — but the reason why women are disproportionately affected lies with our hormones.
Women’s health expert Dr Catherine Hood says: ‘Changes in hormones that occur during the perimenopause and menopause can lead to dysfunction of the tear glands, as well as cause reduction in the oils and mucin that protect and lubricate the eye surface as part of the tear film.’
So, what can be done to protect our eyes? Here are five essential eye care tips the experts swear by…
Take screen breaks
Research conducted by Rohto Dry Aid found that almost 60 per cent of us admit using a computer or laptop can have a negative impact on our eyes, with a third saying screen time is leading to symptoms of dry eye. Optometrist Francesca Marchetti explains that ‘screeners’ may find themselves blinking far less than usual which can cause tears to dry up or evaporate.
She says: ‘Give your eyes a break from screens every 20 minutes by looking at a distant object 20ft away for 20 seconds and blinking for 20 seconds — it’s called the 20 20 20 screen break rule.’
Watch your screen position
Francesca says: ‘Position your computer screen below eye level so that you won’t open your eyes as wide — if your computer screen is above eye level, you'll open your eyes wider to view the screen. When you don’t open your eyes as wide, it may help slow the evaporation of your tears between eye blinks.’
Use eye drops
Francesca says: ‘The eyes need fluids to produce tears, absorb shocks, transport nutrients and protect delicate tissues. When eyes lack fluids, they can become dry, sensitive and easily irritable, and vision can suffer.’
She recommends Rohto Dry Aid eye drops, which provide a premium ‘eight in one’ treatment for the dry eye condition, helping to relieve dryness, soreness, itchiness, irritation, burning, grittiness, stinging and tiredness.
Adapt your diet
Enjoy an anti-inflammatory diet filled with fruits, vegetables, beans, pulses and grains. A vitamin D supplement can also be useful as this vitamin has been proven to help support eye health. Also consider an omega-3 supplement.
Be aware of your environment
Central heating, air-con, indoor air pollution caused from heaters, room sprays or cleaning products, high altitude air such as that in planes, and smoky environments can all cause eyes to dry out.
Dr Byki Huntjens, clinical optometrist and a dry eye researcher and specialist, adds: ‘Don't direct hair dryers, car heaters, air-conditioners or fans toward your eyes. It may be helpful to frequently close your eyes for a few minutes at a time to minimise evaporation of tears.’