Key Takeaways

• Only 14% of surveyed perimenopausal, menopausal and postmenopausal women recognized dry eye as a menopause-related symptom, while 78% were surprised to learn of the association
• Women experiencing dry eye reported effects on daily activities, including reading (58%), screen use (53%), driving (26%) and productivity (17%)
• The findings point to an opportunity for eye care professionals to increase awareness of dry eye and discuss ocular symptoms with patients during perimenopause and menopause

A new Bausch + Lomb survey suggests that dry eye remains underrecognized among women as a symptom associated with perimenopause and menopause, despite its potential effects on daily activities and quality of life.

According to the company, only 14% of perimenopausal, menopausal and postmenopausal women surveyed recognized dry eye as a menopause-related symptom. By comparison, 79% identified hot flashes as a symptom. Nearly 8 in 10 respondents (78%) said they were surprised to learn that dry eye can be associated with perimenopause or menopause.

“Dry eye symptoms can have a meaningful impact on everyday activities and quality of life, yet they are often not associated with perimenopause and menopause,” Mayssa Attar, PhD, senior vice president of Consumer and Pharmaceutical Research & Development at Bausch + Lomb, said in a statement. “The survey findings highlight an opportunity to increase understanding of how eye health can be affected during these stages of life and encourage women experiencing symptoms to speak with an eye care professional.”

Hormonal changes occurring during perimenopause and menopause can affect tear production, tear quality and tear evaporation, potentially contributing to symptoms including burning, irritation, fluctuating vision and ocular discomfort. Among respondents who experienced dry eye symptoms during perimenopause, menopause or postmenopause, 80% said the symptoms came as a surprise.

The survey also examined how dry eye affects everyday activities. Among perimenopausal, menopausal and postmenopausal women experiencing dry eye, 58% reported difficulty reading and 53% reported difficulty using screens. Additionally, 26% reported difficulty driving, while 17% said dry eye reduced their productivity.

The findings pointed to broader challenges surrounding symptom management during the menopause transition. More than 43% of respondents said managing their symptoms was overwhelming, and more than 40% said they did not know where to start when managing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms.