Dry, itchy, irritated eyes can be a nuisance—and if you’re a woman, you’re more likely to experience it. Dry eye affects millions of Americans, but studies show that women are significantly more prone to it than men. In fact, women are twice as likely to develop dry eye disease as men. There are a variety of reasons for this, from hormonal shifts to lifestyle factors, and understanding these causes can help you manage the condition more effectively.
Hormones
Hormones are one of the main reasons why dry eye affects more women than men. Estrogen and progesterone play an essential role in maintaining the health of your tear glands. As women go through different life stages—like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause—hormonal changes can impact how their eyes produce and maintain tears.
For example, during menopause, estrogen levels drop significantly, and this hormonal shift can cause tear glands to produce fewer tears or reduce their quality. This is one reason why many women over 50 experience dry eye symptoms.
Autoimmune disorders
Did you know that women are more likely than men to develop autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome? This condition directly affects moisture-producing glands in the body, including the tear glands in your eyes. Sjögren’s, along with other autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can contribute to chronic dry eye. If you have an autoimmune disorder, managing your dry eye symptoms may require professional care.
Cosmetic use
Many women use cosmetics, especially around their eyes, and this is another reason women experience dry eye more often than men. Products like mascara, eyeliner, and makeup removers can sometimes irritate the eyes or clog the meibomian glands in the eyelids. These glands produce an essential oil layer that prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. Without that protective layer, your eyes can feel dry, gritty, and uncomfortable. Makeup can also disrupt the balance of the tear film, leading to more dryness.
Birth control and hormone replacement therapy
Hormonal changes caused by birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can also have an impact on dry eye. Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones that alter your body’s natural balance, and one side effect of this can be reduced tear production. Many women who take birth control pills experience changes in tear quality, leading to symptoms like dryness and irritation.
Similarly, women who are on hormone replacement therapy, especially those taking estrogen, may notice their eyes are drier than usual. While HRT can help manage other symptoms of menopause, it can unfortunately contribute to dry eye by affecting how the eyes produce and maintain their tears.
Visit New England EyeWorks for professional care
If your dry eye symptoms don’t improve with home remedies or eye drops, you should contact an eye care professional. Our experienced team at New England EyeWorks can pinpoint what’s causing your symptoms and offers dry eye treatment in Keene.
We provide a range of effective treatment options, including BlephEx®, a gentle exfoliation treatment for your eyelids and eyelashes; iProX IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy, which helps treat meibomian gland dysfunction; and the TearCare® system, heat therapy that can be tailored to your needs and helps open up blocked tear glands. Whether you are dealing with a mild case of dry eyes or a chronic issue, we customize your treatment to provide lasting relief and improve your eye health.
If you’re struggling with dry eye, let us help you find a solution. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at New England EyeWorks in Keene, NH!