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Chronic Dry Eye
The 'Other' Symptom of Menopause
Millions of Americans with chronic dry eye disease find themselves waking up every day with dry, itchy eyes and blurred vision, making it difficult to carry out daily tasks. This condition, where the eye does not produce the right quantity or quality of tears, affects 3.2 million women -- or 1 in 12 -- ver the age of 50 in the U.S.
"The health of your eyes should be an important part of your overall health, yet many women, unless they're putting on mascara, popping in their contacts or hunting for their glasses, don't think much about it," said Amy Niles, President and CEO of the National Women's Health Resource Center. "Women don't realize the painful dryness in their eyes is a real condition and that they can get treatment by visiting their eye doctor."
What Is Chronic Dry Eye?
Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), chronic dry eye is among the most common complaints heard by eye doctors, yet many people don't recognize they could have the disease and/or understand its severity.
Chronic dry eye can be caused by a functional problem in the tear-producing glands of the eyes. This reduces tear production, resulting in an insufficient amount of tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Symptoms such as uncomfortable dryness, itchiness and blurred vision may make daily tasks like reading, watching TV and driving difficult.
For Barbara Simard, a nurse living near Pittsburgh, this was a familiar reality. When she was diagnosed three years ago, she realized the impact this disease had on her daily life.
"Making it through the day at work became challenging as the uncomfortable dryness in my eyes would sometimes prevent me from completing my responsibilities. My eyes were dry and itchy and reading patient charts all day became impossible to do," said Barbara. "Eventually, I visited my eye doctor and I was relieved to find out that dry eye isn't something I just have to live with. It is a real disease with effective treatment options."
Does Dry Eye Affect Women More Than Men?
Although chronic dry eye occurs in both men and women, it affects women two to three times more often and is most common in post-menopausal women because of the hormonal changes associated with aging. Although it is more commonly thought of as "the libido hormone," testosterone plays a critical role in maintaining the tear-making lacrimal gland. As women grow older, their production of testosterone declines, leaving the ocular surface susceptible to inflammation. Once the lacrimal gland is inflamed, it may reduce tear production.
"Thousands of patients come to my office each year complaining that they can't work or do things they enjoy because of the discomfort associated with chronic dry eye," said Lisa Battat, Director of Cornea and Refractive Surgery at Everett and Hurite Ophthalmic Association in Pittsburgh. "Although there are dozens of drops available to add moisture, my ultimate treatment goal is to identify and treat the underlying cause of the disease -- not just mask the symptoms."
Is Chronic Dry Eye Something I Have to Live With?
Anyone who suspects they may have chronic dry eye should visit an eye doctor, who can make a diagnosis and determine the proper treatment regimen. While there are eye drops that provide temporary symptomatic relief, there are also prescription therapies available to address this condition. A doctor can determine the best therapy for each individual patient.
Today, Barbara is one of the thousands of people with dry eye who have been able to resume her regular activities with the help of appropriate therapy. "I'm thrilled that my eyes no longer bother me. I can read and use my computer without any eye problems and do the things I love like watching movies and catching up on good books."
Sources: The American Journal of Ophthalmology; 2002 Gallup Study of Dry Eye Sufferers; Advanced Therapy; Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science