September 30, 2025

Did you know that dry eyes and the hormones associated with your menstrual cycle are related? In fact, over half of women will get symptoms associated with dry eyes as their menstruation slows and eventually stops as they begin menopause.

Menopause and Dry Eyes: What You Need To Know

• The tears of the eyes are made of three layers: water, oil and mucus. When hormones decrease in perimenopause and menopause, the oil layer in tears is impacted and tears become unstable and evaporate too quickly. 
• Over-the-counter artificial tears can help, but most do not replenish the oil layer of tears.
• If your dry eye symptoms are not improved with over-the-counter products, see an eye doctor for a more thorough dry eye assessment.

Are dry eyes a symptom of perimenopause and menopause?

Yes, dry, itchy eyes can be a symptom of perimenopause, the time that the menstrual cycle slows, and menopause.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes During Menopause and Perimenopause

• Dryness, grittiness or a feeling that you have something in your eyes
• Redness
• Excessive tearing
• Burning or stinging
• Blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to light

What causes dry eyes during menopause and perimenopause?

The hormonal shifts you experience during perimenopause and menopause disrupt your tear production.

• The glands that produce the oil layer of the tears, the meibomian glands, are impacted by the drop in the hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone that starts as a woman enters perimenopause. This causes less oil volume and lower oil quality in tears. 
• When the oil layer is low, tears evaporate too quickly. Any time that blinking is reduced, such as when you look at screens for an extended period of time, dry eye symptoms will worsen.
• Similarly, if the oil layer of tears is compromised, being outside in cold or windy conditions will make the eyes feel dry or cause over-tearing.
• Even when you sleep, your eyes can become dry. This can mean dry eyes overnight or dry, blurry eyes first thing in the morning. 

How to Treat Dry Eyes During Menopause and Perimenopause

Over-the-counter

• Using artificial tears with a lipid/oil component throughout the day.
• Cleaning the eyelids with safe eye hygiene products.

• Increasing foods or taking supplements with omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil, flaxseed oil and food sources high in omega-3s can help increase oil in tears.
• Using a gentle warm compress for 8–10 minutes before bed can help increase oil in the tear film.

Lifestyle Changes

• Reduce screen time and take breaks from your screen while at work
• Use a humidifier to moisten the air in your home
• Stay hydrated and consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Avoid or reduce contact lens use as these may worsen symptoms
• Wear sunglasses or wraparound glasses to avoid excessive wind

When to See a Doctor

If symptoms remain despite over-the-counter treatments, or if you have blurred vision or pain in your eyes, you may need to see a doctor or optometrist. Dry eyes can irritate and damage the surface of the eye, causing tiny abrasions on the cornea. These small wounds can increase the risk of infection or corneal scarring, which could permanently impact your vision.

Your doctor may treat dry eyes with the following:

• Over the counter management: artificial tears, eye hygiene products, warm compresses and oral omega-3 vitamins
• Prescription eye drops
• Oral medications
• In-office dry eye procedural treatments: microblepharoexfoliation, thermal pulsation or intense pulsed light therapy

Generally, symptoms will not improve on their own after menopause without either over-the-counter aids or medical help from a provider. There are several options available to help with dry eyes due to menopause. Talk to your doctor to create a plan that best works for you.