If your eyes often feel dry, irritated, or tired, dry eye disease may be the underlying cause. It is one of the most common eye conditions, and it affects women more frequently than men.
Hormonal changes, aging, medications, autoimmune conditions, and daily habits can all increase the likelihood of dry eye in women, especially during times of hormonal fluctuation.
At Peachtree Corners Eye Clinic, our eye doctors provide personalized evaluations and advanced dry eye treatment to help patients find lasting relief. Learn more about why dry eye is more common in women than men and how you can address the underlying causes.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough quality tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. A healthy tear film is essential for clear vision, comfort, and protection of the eye’s surface.
When this balance is disrupted, symptoms may include:
- Burning or stinging
- Redness
- Grittiness or a sandy sensation
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Light sensitivity
- Eye fatigue
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
In some cases, watery eyes can also occur as the eyes overcompensate for poor tear quality.
Why dry eye affects more women than men
More than 67% of people with dry eye are women.¹ Several factors help explain why this condition affects women more frequently than men:
Hormonal changes
Hormones play a key role in tear production and oil gland function. Changes in estrogen and androgen levels can impact the meibomian glands, which help prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.
Women may notice dry eye symptoms during:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Perimenopause
- Menopause
- Use of hormonal contraceptives
Menopause is a particularly common time for symptoms to become more noticeable due to changes in tear stability and gland function.
Autoimmune conditions
Autoimmune diseases are more common in women, and women have up to a fourfold increased risk of developing these conditions compared to men.² This helps explain why dry eye is also more prevalent in women.
Conditions linked to dry eye include:
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Thyroid disorders
These conditions can reduce tear production and increase inflammation on the eye’s surface. When the immune system becomes overactive, it may mistakenly target healthy glands responsible for maintaining a stable tear film, leading to ongoing dryness and irritation.
Because these conditions are more common in women, they can contribute to both the development and long-term persistence of dry eye symptoms.
Lifestyle factors
Everyday habits can also contribute to dry eye, and some are more commonly seen in women. Eye makeup and skincare products, such as eyeliner, mascara, and creams applied near the lash line, can block or irritate the oil glands that help stabilize tears.
In addition, incomplete makeup removal at the end of the day, frequent cosmetic use, contact lens wear, screen time, and exposure to dry indoor environments can all contribute to worsening symptoms over time.
Treatment options for dry eye
At Peachtree Corners Eye Clinic, dry eye treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Our eye doctors may recommend a combination of therapies, including:
- Prescription dry eye medications
- Artificial tears and lubricating drops
- Punctal plugs to help retain natural tears
- Zocular Eyelid System Treatment (ZEST) for lid hygiene and debris removal
- LipiFlow treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction
- Radiofrequency therapy to improve gland function and reduce inflammation
- Autologous serum eye drops for advanced dry eye cases
- Amniotic membrane therapy to support the healing of the eye’s surface
- Warm compress therapy and at-home care routines
Find relief from persistent dry, irritated eyes
Dry eye is a chronic condition that often requires ongoing management, but effective treatment options are available. At Peachtree Corners Eye Clinic, our eye doctors take a personalized approach to diagnosing and treating dry eye so patients can achieve lasting comfort and improved vision quality.
If you are experiencing persistent dryness, irritation, or fluctuating vision, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our team in Peachtree Corners.
References:
- Why do dry eyes affect women more than men? optometrists.org
- Why women have more autoimmune diseases than men: an evolutionary perspective. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov