Women suffer from dry eye more than men possibly due to hormone level fluctuations, so says a new survey.
Dry eye happens when eyes do not produce enough tears in order for the eye to be comfortable and wet. Common symptoms are burning, stinging and itchiness, especially during the menopause.
Dry eye is a chronic condition that leads increased risk of infection or visual impairment, so the online New York Times reports. It affects quality of life, including the physical health of 10m Americans each year.
62% of older women experience dry eye, with just 16% aware that it is linked to the menopause, a new survey for the Society for Women's Health Research states. The survey involved polling 304 menopausal women.
Of women with dry eye, 59% had seen their doctor about it and 58% had used over-the-counter eye drops to alleviate their symptoms.
3.2m American women 50 and over are affected by chronic dry eye.
