VIEWS FOR 20/20 by Dr. Mark Skowron and Dr. Michelle Skowron DRY EYE AND MENOPAUSE About 60 percent of menopausal and perimenopausal women suffer from dry eye syndrome. During this time, the female body produces less estrogen, progesterone, and androgen hormones, causing the symptoms associated with menopause, including dry eye. As the androgen hormone decreases, it affects the meibomian glands in the eyelids, which produce the oil in tears. The reduced oil causes increased tear evaporation and dry eyes, which lead to inflammation, itchiness, and irritation. Research suggests that estrogen may also play a role, since some women experience dry eye when estrogen levels drop during their monthly cycle and/or while taking birth control pills. In addition to dryness, symptoms can include a burning sensation, a gritty feeling in the eyes, and blurred vision. As time passes, bodies change. Hair colors change. Skin textures change. Voices change. And, inevitably vision changes. However, changes in your vision don't have to mean a change in your lifestyle. A program of preventive eye examinations and prompt treatment of problems can keep your eyes at their best throughout your life. To schedule an appointment, please call SKOWRON EYE CARE. At Skowron Eye Care, our mission is your vision. P.S. Dry eye associated with menopause can cause the overproduction of tears and watery eyes as the body tries to compensate for tear evaporation. SKOWRON EYE CARE 370 N. York, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-834-6244 www.skowroneyecare.com VIEWS FOR 20/20 by Dr. Mark Skowron and Dr. Michelle Skowron DRY EYE AND MENOPAUSE About 60 percent of menopausal and perimenopausal women suffer from dry eye syndrome . During this time , the female body produces less estrogen , progesterone , and androgen hormones , causing the symptoms associated with menopause , including dry eye . As the androgen hormone decreases , it affects the meibomian glands in the eyelids , which produce the oil in tears . The reduced oil causes increased tear evaporation and dry eyes , which lead to inflammation , itchiness , and irritation . Research suggests that estrogen may also play a role , since some women experience dry eye when estrogen levels drop during their monthly cycle and / or while taking birth control pills . In addition to dryness , symptoms can include a burning sensation , a gritty feeling in the eyes , and blurred vision . As time passes , bodies change . Hair colors change . Skin textures change . Voices change . And , inevitably vision changes . However , changes in your vision don't have to mean a change in your lifestyle . A program of preventive eye examinations and prompt treatment of problems can keep your eyes at their best throughout your life . To schedule an appointment , please call SKOWRON EYE CARE . At Skowron Eye Care , our mission is your vision . P.S. Dry eye associated with menopause can cause the overproduction of tears and watery eyes as the body tries to compensate for tear evaporation . SKOWRON EYE CARE 370 N. York , Elmhurst , IL 60126 630-834-6244 www.skowroneyecare.com