Dry eyes. Burning. Grittiness. Watery eyes. Contact lenses that suddenly don't feel as comfortable as they used to.

They're probably not the first symptoms that come to mind when you think about menopause. But changes in your eyes can happen during perimenopause and menopause too.

So, can menopause cause dry eyes?

Yes. Hormonal changes during midlife can affect the tear film that keeps the surface of your eyes comfortable and lubricated, and dry eye can become more common around menopause.

If your eyes have started feeling different, understanding what's happening is the first step towards making them more comfortable.

Why can menopause cause dry eyes?

Your tears are more complicated than simply "water". They form a protective tear film containing different components that work together to lubricate and protect the surface of your eyes.

Hormones can influence the glands and tissues involved in maintaining that tear film.

During perimenopause and menopause, levels of hormones including oestrogen and androgens change. These hormonal changes can affect tear production and tear-film stability, which may contribute to dry eye symptoms.

Of course, menopause isn't the only possible cause of dry eyes. Screen use, contact lenses, certain medications, your environment and other health factors can all play a part.

That's why it's useful to have persistent symptoms properly assessed rather than assuming they're something you simply have to put up with.

What do menopausal dry eyes feel like?

Dry eye doesn't always feel simply "dry".

You might experience:

• Gritty or sandy-feeling eyes

• Burning or stinging

• Redness

• Itching or irritation

• Tired or heavy-feeling eyes

• Sensitivity to light

• Blurry or fluctuating vision

• Contact lens discomfort

• Eyes that water more than usual

That last one can seem contradictory, but watery eyes can sometimes be a response to irritation on the surface of the eye.

Symptoms can vary considerably from person to person, so you don't need to experience all of these for dry eye to be worth investigating.

Can menopause cause blurry or fluctuating vision?

Dry eye can sometimes make your vision seem temporarily blurry or inconsistent.

Your tear film forms part of the eye's optical surface. If it becomes unstable, your vision may fluctuate — perhaps clearing when you blink before becoming blurry again.

However, new or persistent changes to your vision shouldn't automatically be blamed on menopause or dry eye.

If your vision has changed, an optometrist can check your prescription, assess your eye health and investigate what may be causing it.

Sudden or significant changes in vision should be assessed promptly.

Why have my contact lenses become uncomfortable?

If you've comfortably worn contact lenses for years but suddenly find yourself wanting to take them out earlier in the day, dry eye could be one possible reason.

Contact lenses sit directly on the tear film, so changes to the surface of the eye or tear-film stability can affect how comfortable they feel.

That doesn't necessarily mean you have to stop wearing contact lenses altogether.

An optometrist can assess what's happening and advise you on the most appropriate options for your eyes, which may include reviewing your lenses or addressing underlying dryness.

Is it menopause — or something else?

This is an important question.

If you're experiencing dry, gritty or watery eyes during perimenopause or menopause, hormonal changes may be contributing. But similar symptoms can have many different causes.

Your environment, medication, screen habits, contact lens wear and the health of the surface of your eyes can all influence how your eyes feel.

Rather than trying to diagnose the cause yourself, an assessment can help establish what's actually happening.

Can dry eye be assessed during an eye test?

Yes. If you're experiencing symptoms, mention them to your optometrist during your appointment.

At Eye Emporium, your eye examination can include an initial assessment for signs and symptoms of dry eye. If further investigation is appropriate, you can then be referred to our in-house dry eye specialists for a more detailed assessment.

Dry eye isn't the same for everyone, so understanding what's contributing to your symptoms is important when deciding how best to manage them.

What treatments are available for dry eye?

The right approach depends on what’s causing your dry eye and how severe your symptoms are.

At Eye Emporium, the first step is to book a regular eye test. Your optometrist can assess your symptoms and look for signs of dry eye as part of your appointment.

If you need more specialised support, you can then be referred to one of our in-house dry eye specialists for a more detailed assessment. From there, they can recommend the most appropriate care for your eyes.

Eye Emporium offers three levels of personalised dry eye care:

Essential Dry Eye Plan
Premium Dry Eye Plan
Advanced Dry Eye Plan

The right plan will depend on your individual symptoms and the findings of your assessment — because dry eye care isn't one-size-fits-all.

When should I see an optometrist about dry eyes?

If dry, gritty, watery or uncomfortable eyes are becoming a regular part of your day, it's worth having them checked.

You should also arrange an assessment if you're experiencing persistent blurry or fluctuating vision, your contact lenses have become increasingly uncomfortable or your symptoms are affecting your everyday life.

And you don't need to wait until your symptoms become severe.

Understanding what's causing the problem can help you find the right way to manage it.

Your eyes can change during menopause too

Menopause can affect many parts of the body, and your eyes are no exception.

But uncomfortable eyes aren't something you simply have to accept as part of getting older.

If your eyes have started feeling drier, grittier or simply different, talk to your optometrist. We can assess your vision and eye health, look for signs of dry eye and help you understand the next steps.

Noticing a change in your eyes?

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Your journey to more comfortable eyes can start with a conversation.