Dry Eyes During Menopause

Published: April 29, 2026

Many women do not realize that menopause can affect the eyes. The hormonal changes that happen during perimenopause and menopause can lead to dry, irritated, red, burning, or itchy eyes. Dry eye is common during midlife, and for many women it can become a persistent and frustrating problem.

Read on to learn why dry eye happens during the menopause transition and what can help relieve it.

What Is Chronic Dry Eye?

Dry eye, also called “dry eye syndrome” or “dry eye disease,” is one of the most common conditions associated with menopause. It happens when the eyes do not produce enough tears, when the tears are poor quality, or when they evaporate too quickly.

Tears are made up of water, oil, and mucus, and all three are needed to keep the eye surface smooth, clear, and comfortable. When the tear film is out of balance, the eyes can become irritated and inflamed. If dry eye is not treated, it can affect vision and the health of the eye surface over time.

Who Gets Dry Eye?

Dry eye can happen at any age, but it becomes more common as women get older, especially during and after menopause. Hormonal changes are an important factor, but dry eye can also be linked to certain health conditions, medications, contact lens wear, smoking, and environmental triggers.

Women with conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroid disease, Sjögren’s syndrome, and vitamin A deficiency may be at higher risk. Some medications can also contribute to dry eye, including certain antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, acne treatments, and other drugs that may reduce tear production.

What Causes Chronic Dry Eye?

There are two main types of dry eye.

One type occurs when the eyes do not make enough tears. The other happens when tears evaporate too quickly because the oil glands in the eyelids are not working properly. In many women, menopause affects both tear production and tear quality.

Common causes of dry eye include:

• Aging.
• Menopause.
• Certain medical conditions.
• Certain medications.
• Laser eye surgery.
• Tear gland inflammation or damage.
• Wind, smoke, or dry air.
• Blinking too little, especially during screen use.
• Eyelid problems.
• Long-term contact lens use.
• Rosacea.

What Are the Symptoms?

Dry eye symptoms often affect both eyes and may come and go. Common symptoms include:

• Burning, stinging, or scratchy eyes.
• A gritty or sandy feeling.
• Redness.
• Blurred vision.
• Excess tearing.
• Stringy discharge.
• Heavy or tired eyelids.
• Trouble wearing contact lenses.
• Eye fatigue.
• Less comfort when reading or working on a computer.

Some women first notice dry eye in situations that strain the eyes, such as airplane travel, dry indoor air, wind, or long periods of screen use.

How Is It Diagnosed?

An eye care professional can usually diagnose dry eye with a simple eye exam and a review of your health history. The doctor may check how many tears you produce, how quickly they evaporate, and whether the surface of the eye shows signs of irritation or inflammation.

Several tests may be used, including tear volume testing, dye staining, tear quality assessment, and other in-office methods that help identify the underlying cause. The goal is to understand whether the problem is related to tear production, tear evaporation, inflammation, or another issue.

How Is It Treated?

Mild dry eye may improve with rest, environmental changes, better hydration, and over-the-counter lubricating eye drops. Reducing screen strain, using a humidifier, and limiting contact lens wear can also help.

If symptoms continue, an eye care professional may recommend a treatment plan for ongoing dry eye. This may include prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops, short-term steroid drops in some cases, punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage, or treatments that target blocked eyelid oil glands.

If dry eye is related to a medication, your doctor may suggest a different option. If contact lenses make symptoms worse, you may need to wear them less often or switch to glasses. In more severe cases, procedures to improve eyelid gland function may also be helpful.

What Can You Do at Home?

There are several simple steps that can help ease dry eye symptoms:

• Blink more often, especially when reading or using a computer.
• Use a humidifier in dry rooms.
• Avoid fans and direct air blowing toward your eyes.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors.
• Use lubricating eye drops as needed.
• Keep track of what makes symptoms worse.
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Drink enough water.

A healthy diet and general wellness habits may also support eye health. Some women find that omega-3 fatty acids, warm compresses, and eyelid cleansing help, especially when oil gland dysfunction is part of the problem.

Summary

Dry eye is a common but often overlooked part of the menopause transition. It can be uncomfortable, but it is manageable. If you have persistent dry, irritated eyes, do not ignore them — see an eye care professional so you can get the right diagnosis and treatment.