Name: Insight Vision Center Optometry
Address: 3151 Airway Ave. Ste. M3, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
Telephone: (714) 486-3315
Price range: Make An Appointment

How to Treat Menopause-Related Dry Eye

Dry eye is one of the lesser-known symptoms of menopause. It affects roughly 61% of perimenopausal and menopausal women. Common symptoms include excessive tear production, itchy red eyes and a burning or gritty feeling in the eyes.

Why do perimenopausal (which means “around menopause”) and menopausal women suffer from dry eyes?

How Menopause and Dry Eyes Are Connected

The glands under the skin of your upper eyelids are responsible for producing tears (which are spread over your eyes whenever you blink) and oils (which prevent the tears from evaporating too quickly) that help keep them moist. However, during menopause, low androgen and estrogen hormone levels can affect tear production, which in turn cause dry eye.

How to Relieve Symptoms of Dry Eye

Here’s an overview of the treatment options for chronic dry eye symptoms:

Artificial tears – Artificial tears are eye drops that help keep your eyes moist.
Eye inserts – If artificial tears are not able to alleviate dry eye symptoms, your eye doctor might prescribe a hydroxypropyl cellulose insert that slowly releases a substance to lubricate your eye as it dissolves.
Tear-stimulating medication – Drugs like pilocarpine and cevimeline can increase tear production to alleviate dry eye symptoms.

Making a few lifestyle changes can also help alleviate dry eye symptoms. In particular, we recommend:

Limiting screen time – Whenever you blink, the eyelids spread tears on the outer surface of your eyes, keeping it moist. However, when you’re staring at a screen, you tend to blink less often, which in turn may cause dry eyes. To prevent dry eye, we recommend observing the 20-20-20 rule (look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes).
Switching to eyeglasses – Contact lenses can exacerbate the symptoms of dry eye. That’s why it would be a good idea to switch to eyeglasses until the symptoms go away.

If symptoms persist, you should set an appointment with one of your local eye doctors as soon as possible.

Looking for eye doctors near you?

Insight Vision Center Optometry offers a wide range of professional eye care services. To schedule an appointment, call us at (714) 486-3315, or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach as well as the surrounding communities.

Insight Vision Center Optometry is a proud member of Vision Source, the premier network of private practice optometrists.

Our Testimonials

Real experiences from clients who’ve seen our expertise—discover what our patients have to say.

Dr. Chen and the staff are very friendly and professional and can provide patients with sincere service and advice.

Elise Fu

Insight Vision Center Optometry has truly transformed my eyecare experience over the past year. Under the expert care of Dr. Chen, Dr. Schramm, Dr. Lam, and Dr. Mai, I've received unparalleled attention and personalized service. Their commitment to excellence extends beyond the doctors to the outstanding admin and tech team who ensure a seamless and efficient visit every time.

The level of expertise, professionalism, and genuine care exhibited by the entire staff sets Insight Vision Center Optometry apart. From thorough examinations to comprehensive explanations of my eye health, they have created an atmosphere of trust and confidence. It's not just about eye care; it's about an extraordinary commitment to the well-being of their patients.

I wholeheartedly recommend Insight Vision Center Optometry to everyone seeking top-notch optometric services. It's more than an eye clinic; it's a place where your vision is valued, and your experience is exceptional. This team has undoubtedly set the standard for excellence in eyecare.

Nathaniel Choi

Dr. Mai and the entire personnel are amazing! Extremely polite, kind and professional. In addition, I can now see 20/20!!! Thank you, thank you all

Franchezka 777

Dr. Schramm is stellar. He really cares about his patients. Great staff. Scleral lenses are life changing.

Kevin W

My first eye exam in fifteen years. I am so thankful that I found Insight Vision Center. Dr. Lam and staff made me feel like a welcome guest. My eye exam revealed very minor blurriness and Dr. Lam did not pressure me into purchasing eyewear for a condition not necessitating glasses… yet. Maybe next year? I am getting older. They took my VSP insurance. Yay!

Scott H.

Dr. Lam and staff are amazing. Every phone call or interaction is friendly. You can feel the smiles and joy over whatever mode of communication you are interacting with them. Dr. Lam is very knowledgeable and helps you to better understand everything that is going on with your eyes. She made me aware of potential problems I may have with my eyes and walked me through every step of the process. She helped me understand the various factors that could be causing my vision to be a little impaired and followed up with me as I had to see an ophthalmologist. Great team, great office.

Virgilio S.