TheraLife® Eye Menopause

Menopause dry eye syndrome is caused by changes to the hormonal receptors (receptors for estrogen and androgens) located on the cornea, conjunctiva, and meibomian glands. Those parts of the eye are responsible for the integrity of the ocular surface. In menopausal women (pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women), hormone changes and imbalances result in unstable tear film. This, in turn, causes chronic dry eyes, which is an inflammatory condition of the eye.

Statistics

Around 61% of perimenopausal and menopausal women are affected by dry eye syndrome.

What biological changes that affect your eyes?

During menopause, the body produces less estrogen, progesterone, and androgen, causing a variety of uncomfortable symptoms such as sweating, insomnia, and hot flashes.

Among these physical symptoms is dry eyes, characterized by dry, itchy and burning eyes.

During menopause, the androgen hormone decreases, affecting the meibomian and lacrimal glands in the eyelids. The meibomian glands produce the essential oils for the tears, so the reduction in oil results in increased tear evaporation and drier eyes.

How Menopause affects eyes

When these fluid and oil-producing glands are affected, the eyelids can become inflamed, reducing tear quality and production, resulting in dry eye syndrome.

Some researchers believe that dry eye is connected to changes in estrogen levels. This explains why many women experience dry eye symptoms during certain times of a woman’s monthly cycle, or while taking birth control pills.

Symptoms of dry eyes

• Red eyes
• Burning in the eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Blurred vision
• Gritty feeling in the eyes
• The feeling something is caught in your eye. Excessive tearing
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity

Treatment for Hormone-Related Dry Eye

Because reduced hormones during and after menopause can cause meibomian gland dysfunction, treatment should be focused on reducing dry eye symptoms and balancing hormones.

1.Natural hormone balance – .TheraLife Menopausal Support.

2. TheraLife Eye capsules – to restore and revive your own tear production for dry eye relief.

3.Omega 3 fish oil – to reduce inflammation, provide lubrication to thicken tears

4.Hot Compress – to unclog oil glands located on eyelids. Allowing lubricants to thicken tears.

5.Eyelid Cleanser – to relief eyelid infection – blepharitis which comes as a result of dry eyes.

Risk factors

The transition to menopause happens gradually over the course of many years. In the years leading up to menopause (called perimenopause), many women begin experiencing symptoms of hormonal changes, like hot flashes and irregular periods. If you’re a woman over the age of 45, you’re also at risk of developing dry eye problems.

Dry eyes are what doctors call a multifactorial disease, which means that several different things may be contributing to the problem. Typically, dry eye problems stem from one or more of the following:

• decreased tear production
• tears drying up (tear evaporation)
• ineffective tears
•  

Environmental triggers

You can decrease your risk of dry eyes by avoiding environmental triggers. Things that lead to tear evaporation include:

• dry winter air
• wind
• outdoor activities like skiing, running, and boating
• air-conditioning
• contact lenses
• allergies

Alternative treatments

• Limit your screen time. If you work at a computer all day, remember to take breaks. Close your eyes for a few minutes, or blink repeatedly for a few seconds.
• Protect your eyes. Sunglasses that wrap around the face can block wind and dry air. They can help when you’re running or biking.
• Avoid triggers. Irritants like smoke and pollen can make your symptoms more severe, as can activities like biking and boating.
• Try a humidifier. Keeping the air in your home or office moist may help.
• Eat right. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A can encourage healthy tear production.
• Avoid contact lenses. Contact lenses can make dry eyes worse. Talk to your doctor about switching to glasses or specially designed contact lenses.

Complications 

If you have chronically dry eyes, you may experience the following complications:

• Infections. Your tears protect your eyes from the outside world. Without them, you have an increased risk of eye infection.
• Damage. Severe dry eyes can lead to inflammation and abrasions on the surface of the eye. This can cause pain, corneal ulcer, and vision problems.

Environmental changes to help prevent dry eye

Making lifestyle changes can help to reduce dry eye irritants and prevent worsening of symptoms.

• Lower your computer screen: If your eyelids are lower, and your eyes are less open during prolonged computer use, you can reduce the surface area from which the tears evaporate.
• Remove drafts: Avoid using a ceiling fan while you sleep, and turn air vents away from your face.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses when you venture outdoors.

References

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