Why are women more susceptible to Dry Eye Disease?

Understanding the Link Between Hormones, Lifestyle and Eye Health This International Women’s Day

 

Why Focus on Women and Dry Eye Disease?

Every year on International Women’s Day, conversations around women’s health take centre stage. While topics like heart health and hormonal wellbeing are often discussed, Dry Eye Disease (DED) is rarely highlighted, despite disproportionately affecting women.[1]

Research consistently shows that women are significantly more likely than men to develop Dry Eye Disease, particularly during midlife and beyond.[1][2]

So why are women more prone to dry eyes? The answer lies in a combination of hormonal changes, autoimmune risk, lifestyle factors, and environmental exposure.

What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease occurs when:

• Your eyes do not produce enough tears, or
• Your tears evaporate too quickly, or
• The tear film becomes unstable[3]

 

Tears are made up of three essential layers:

1. Oil (lipid) layer – prevents evaporation
2. Water (aqueous) layer – hydrates the eye surface
3. Mucus layer – ensures smooth tear distribution[3]

 

When this balance is disrupted, common symptoms of dry eye include:

• Stinging or burning
• Redness
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Sensitivity to light
• A gritty sensation[3]

Hormones and Dry Eyes: The Key Connection

One of the biggest reasons women experience Dry Eye Disease more frequently is hormonal fluctuation.[4]

Oestrogen and androgens help regulate:

• Tear production
• Meibomian gland function (oil-producing glands in the eyelids)
• Tear film stability[4]

 

Throughout life, women experience hormonal shifts during:

• Menstrual cycles
• Pregnancy
• Use of hormonal contraception
• Perimenopause
• Menopause

Menopause and Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms often increase after menopause due to reduced androgen levels, which are essential for maintaining the oil layer of the tear film. Without sufficient oil, tears evaporate more quickly, leading to evaporative dry eye.[2] [4]
This explains why menopause and dry eye are so strongly linked.

Autoimmune Disease and Dry Eye in Women

Women are more likely to develop autoimmune conditions that directly affect tear production, including:

• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

In conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, the immune system attacks moisture-producing glands, leading to chronic dry eye symptoms.[2] For many women, persistent dry eye may be one of the first noticeable signs of an underlying autoimmune condition.

Lifestyle Factors That Increase Dry Eye Risk

Beyond biology, daily habits can contribute to dry eye symptoms.

Makeup and Eyelid Health

Applying eyeliner along the waterline or failing to remove makeup thoroughly can block the meibomian glands, reducing oil production and worsening tear evaporation.[3]

Screen Time and Dry Eyes

Extended screen use reduces blinking by up to 60%, which increases tear evaporation.[2] Many women balance professional screen use with digital downtime, compounding the effect.

Contact Lens Wear

Women are statistically more likely to wear contact lenses. Long-term lens use can destabilise the tear film and worsen dryness over time.[2]

How Dry Eye Disease Affects Quality of Life[2]

Dry Eye Disease is more than occasional irritation. It can affect:

• Workplace productivity
• Driving, especially at night
• Reading and screen use
• Confidence (red or watery eyes)
• Overall wellbeing

Chronic eye discomfort can be physically and emotionally draining, particularly when symptoms fluctuate unpredictably.

Simple Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Dry Eye Symptoms

While hormonal factors cannot be avoided, lifestyle adjustments can help manage Dry Eye Disease.

✔ Practise Daily Lid Hygiene

Remove makeup gently and completely. Consider warm compresses to support meibomian gland function.

✔ Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to encourage blinking.

✔ Improve Your Environment

Avoid direct airflow from fans or air conditioning and consider a humidifier in dry indoor spaces.

✔ Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration supports overall tear production.

✔ Seek Professional Advice

If symptoms persist, consult an eye care professional for personalised dry eye treatment options.

 

Raising Awareness This International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day, it’s important to recognise that Dry Eye Disease in women is common, biologically influenced, and manageable with the right support.

Understanding the connection between hormones, autoimmune risk, and lifestyle factors empowers women to:

• Recognise symptoms earlier
• Seek appropriate treatment
• Prioritise eye health as part of overall wellbeing

Clear, comfortable vision supports everything women do!

Looking for Support with Dry Eye Symptoms?

If you are experiencing symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, finding the right support can make a real difference to your daily comfort. TREHAPAN® is a versatile, all-round dry eye solution designed to support the tear film and provide lasting hydration with just two drops per day. Suitable for moderate to severe dry eye, it helps protect and stabilise the ocular surface to improve overall eye comfort.

You can find TREHAPAN® at: https://visushop.co.uk/product/trehapan/

 

References

1. Schaumberg DA, et al. Prevalence of Dry Eye Disease Among US Women. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2003;136(2):318–326.
2. Stapleton F, et al. TFOS DEWS II Epidemiology Report. The Ocular Surface. 2017.
3. Craig JP, et al. TFOS DEWS II Definition and Classification Report. The Ocular Surface. 2017.
4. Sullivan DA, et al. Androgen deficiency, Meibomian gland dysfunction, and evaporative dry eye. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2002.

Dry Eyes and Driving: Dealing with Dry Eye Disease Symptoms 

Dry Eye Disease can be irritating and uncomfortable during your flare-ups – but dealing with it while driving can make symptoms feel unbearable. Driving is a time you don’t want distractions, so excessive watering, itchiness, and pain are the last things most drivers want to be dealing with. But why do people get dry eyes when they’re driving and how can you tackle it so you can enjoy your journey?  

At Dry Eye and Me, we’re Dry Eye Disease experts, so we’re here to help you deal with your condition and provide useful information, tips, and tricks to make living with and treating Dry Eye Syndrome simpler. 

 

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease is an incredibly common condition, affecting 344 million people worldwide.[1] It happens when your tears aren’t able to properly lubricate your eyes because of a decrease in the quality or quantity of your tear supply. This is caused by a number of things such as aging, eye strain, contact lenses, and conditions such as Blepharitis.[2]  

Your tears are formed of three layers (the oily layer, the watery layer, and the mucus layer). If these layers are disturbed and your tears don’t have enough of any of these layers, they will evaporate, and you may start feeling the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease.  

This can be due to Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)[3] which causes the oily layer to break down and allows the watery layer to evaporate.[4] Dry Eye Disease can also be caused by conditions that damage the tear glands which causes a decrease in the production of your tears. If your eyes aren’t able to create more tears, there’s less fluid to hydrate them, causing the dryness that gives the condition its name.[4]  

Without proper treatment, Dry Eye Disease can lead to complications such as scarring, corneal ulcers, and even permanent vision loss, so it’s important to treat your symptoms and talk to your doctor or optometrist to see if there is an underlying cause.[3] 

 

 

What are Dry Eye Symptoms?

Dry Eye Syndrome can have many symptoms, but some of the most often reported are: 

• Watery eyes 

• Sensitivity to light 

• A gritty or foreign body sensation  

• Eye fatigue (tiredness) 

• Blurred vision 

• Feelings of itchiness or dryness

 

Can Driving Cause Dry Eye Disease?

While most medical professionals would not say that driving causes Dry Eye Disease, driving can contribute to flare-ups of symptoms (periods where the symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome are more pronounced). Dealing with the itchiness and irritation of dry eyes can affect a lot of daily activities. In fact, one study showed that dry eyes impacted the driving of nearly 30% of Dry Eye Syndrome sufferers.[5]  

One study compared drivers diagnosed with Dry Eye Disease to people treated with tear substitutes and to healthy subjects with no indications of Dry Eye Disease. It revealed that about 40% of DED (Dry Eye Disease) patients had dangerous driving experiences with their symptoms including soreness, burning, pain, tearing, grittiness, and blurred vision.[6] 

When you drive you can be exposed to a number of the factors that can cause Dry Eye Disease symptom flare-ups.  

 

What Causes Dry Eyes When You Drive?

Staring for too long  

Poor blinking habits, often associated with intense concentration (like when people drive) has been tied to dry eyes. Disrupting the natural blinking reflex can aggravate symptoms, which is why many Dry Eye professionals advise using the 20-20-20 rule – look away for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes, at something 20 feet away.[7] If you’re unable to do this while you drive, you should make sure you’re taking regular breaks to rest your eyes. 

Air conditioning  

Air conditioning and heating systems in your cars (keeping you comfortable no matter the weather) can be harming your eye health. They reduce air moisture, in turn aggravating your dry and irritated eyes.[8] In addition, they can also send particles and dust into your eyes if they’re not cleaned frequently, causing more aggravation.  

Wind  

If you’re a fan of driving with your windows down, you might notice your Dry Eye acting up on car trips. That’s because the wind can aggravate the condition as the air moving quickly over the surface of the eyes causes the protective tears to evaporate more quickly.[9]  

Lights  

Whether it’s fluorescent lights or headlights, bright lights can aggravate your watering and stinging eyes. Light sensitivity is very common for Dry Eye Disease patients as your tears are beneficial not just for hydrating your eyes, but also for protecting nerve endings from light irritation. Without a healthy tear film, you may not be able to focus lights properly.[10] When you’re in the car you may be battling with the sun or headlights and street lamps at night, often aggravating your symptoms and making it hard to focus and drive safely. The irritation to your eye’s surface can cause glare to worsen, making driving at night with lights even more difficult.  

Smoking    

While smoking in cars is much less common nowadays, if you do smoke in the car, it’s likely the smoke will be trapped in a small space, aggravating the eyes. For more information on smoking and Dry Eye, you can read our blog here.  

 

Dry Eye at Night

Driving at night can be more difficult as you age. This can be a consequence of many ocular conditions often associated with a later stage of life including glaucoma, cataracts, worsening vision, and dry eyes. For many of these conditions, they’re progressive and will often worsen with age or more commonly occur in older patients (such as Dry Eye Disease) but can be treated and managed.  

However, in the evening – especially when driving – they can increase sensitivity to glare or affect your distance vision, making driving unsafe. At night, vision is already limited and there will often be bright lights (often coming at you rapidly as cars turn their headlights and full beams on). There are steps you can take to help combat this, such as using anti-glare coating on glasses, choosing yellow or amber tinted lenses, and slowing your driving speed, but many people choose to restrict or reduce their night driving as they age.[11] 

 

 

How Do You Deal with Dry Eyes When You Drive?

While driving with Dry Eye Disease can be frustrating – and sometimes dangerous – there are many steps you can take to improve the experience and ensure you’re driving off into the sunset safely. Here are some ways you can deal with your dry eyes while you drive and try to avoid flareups: 

Eye Drops for Dry Eyes

• VisuXL® Gel: This gel eye drop is best for those who suffer from intense flare-ups of Dry Eye Disease or need long-lasting protection, making them perfect for driving home at the end of the day or for road trips. If you’re using drops multiple times a day or need extra relief in the evening, VisuXL® Gel may be the right choice for longer-lasting comfort while driving. Shop VisuXL® Gel here.  

• Xailin® Intense: For Dry Eye Disease sufferers who find themselves battling dryness and itchiness because of their environment – like the wind or dust from the open window or car air conditioning – Xailin® Intense can be the best eye drops for your dry eyes. It’s formulated to offer more intensive soothing of severe dry eyes. Shop Xailin® Intense here.  

• TREHAPAN®: If long term Dry Eye Syndrome has been bothering you, and damaged the surface of your eye, TREHAPAN® can offer long lasting comfort, helping you drive without the itchiness and irritation damage can cause. Shop TREHAPAN® here.  

Ditch the contacts 

While you can wear contacts if you suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome, it is advised that you make the switch to glasses while you’re driving as contacts can dry the eyes, making your symptoms worse.[9] 

If you are wearing glasses, make sure they’re correct for your vision with up-to-date testing and choose anti-glare lenses to help avoid accidents and discomfort when driving at night.[11]  

Wear sunglasses 

Whether you’re protecting your eyes from light sensitivity or the wind, sunglasses can be a great tool for protecting you from irritation and pollutants. They’re a great addition to your driving must haves.[11] 

Turn vents away 

Don’t direct vents toward your face, as this can worsen Dry Eye symptoms. Instead, turn airflow towards the windscreen which will allow it to circulate through the car and help cool it down.[12] 

Take breaks 

One of the most important ways to navigate driving with dry eyes is to take breaks. These will allow your eyes to rest and recover, letting tears coat the eyes and fully lubricate and moisturise.[5] These breaks can be a great chance to apply eye drops, drink some water, and try the 20-20-20 method. If you’re driving for a long period of time, use these to take a short rest, either closing your eyes for longer or even sleeping.  

 

What Eye Conditions Stop You From Driving?

There are actually a number of eye conditions that can affect your driving and have to be reported to the UK Government, though this list differs for different countries and regions so it’s important to check your local laws to see what you have to report. This is because these conditions can impact your vision and have possibly been associated with accidents on the road. In the UK these include: 

• blepharospasm 

• diabetic retinopathy 

• diplopia 

• nyctalopia 

• glaucoma[13]

However, if you suffer from Dry Eye Disease, there is nothing stopping you driving except for the severity of your symptoms making you feel you have to refrain from driving. If you believe your symptoms are stopping you from completing your daily tasks like driving, then it’s time to seek help and reduce your suffering.  

 

 There’s no need to suffer in silence. Support is available, and our Dry Eye and Me community is here for you. Visit our Facebook and our Instagram and let us help you get back on the road comfortably and confidently. 

 

References

1. Optical Express, ‘The Rise of Dry Eye: Causes and Symptoms’, 29/07/24, Last Accessed November 2025
2. Specsavers, ‘Dry Eye Syndrome’, Last Accessed November 2025
3. Badii, Chitra; Robinson, Dana; Grey, Sheryll, ‘What is Dry Eye’, 11/07/2025, Last Accessed November 202
4. John Hopkins Medicine, ‘Dry Eye’, Last Accessed November 2025
5. Nall, Rachel, ‘Staying Safe on the Road: How to Deal with Dry Eyes While Driving’, 18/02/25, Last Accessed November 2025
6. Oliver, Jane, ‘Dry Eye Disease Can Make Driving More Dangerous’, 28/12/17, Last Accessed November 2025
7. Brimhall, Brett, ‘Blinking and Eye Health – How to Tell Your Not Blinking Enough’, 20/05/24, Last Accessed November 2025
8. Get Lab Test, ‘Driving with Dry Eyes: A Complete Safety and Management Guide’, Last Accessed November 2025
9. Dry Eye and Me, ‘Battling Dry Eye in Bad Weather’, Last Accessed November 2025
10. Ternus, Holly, ‘Why are Dry Eyes Sensitive to Light and How Can it Be Treated?’, 19/06/25, Last Accessed November 2025
11. Henry Ford Health, ‘Here’s What happens to your Eyes at Night – and Why it Makes Driving in the Dark Difficult’, 05/12/23, Last Accessed November 2025
12. Gemini Eye Clinic, ‘Eyes and Car Air Conditioning’, 02/06/22, Last Accessed November 2026
13. Gov.UK, ‘Eye Conditions and Driving’, Last Accessed November 2025

Dry Eye and Your Diet: Vitamins for Dry Eye Disease  

Dry Eye Disease can impact your life to the point of trying anything, just to alleviate the symptoms. But if you’re looking for a real way to improve your lifestyle and overall ocular health, while helping manage symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, it might be time to look at your diet.  

 

There are many macronutrients and micronutrients to consider if you’re trying to improve the condition, and at Dry Eye and Me, we’re Dry Eye Disease experts. Here’s everything you need to know about Dry Eye Disease and your diet, including what the best foods to eat are for Dry Eye Disease symptom relief.  

 

 

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry Eye Disease is a condition that affects the layers of tears in your eyes. It’s either caused by a deficiency in the amount or quality of your tears. When your tears aren’t able to properly hydrate your eyes, it can lead to inflammation and damage to the eye’s surface.[1]

The part of your eye that’s responsible for protecting the organ (and your vision) is called the tear layer. It’s comprised of three components:  

1. The aqueous layer which is comprised largely of water. It’s produced by the lacrimal gland and moistens the eye as well as making antibodies.  

1. An oily outer layer which is produced by the Meibomian Gland. This helps to lubricate your eyes, helping you blink and stops your tears from evaporating before this process is completed.  

1. An inner mucus layer which I produced by gland inside the conjunctiva. This layer spreads tears across the surface of your eye, ensuring it’s properly protected, moistened, and lubricated.[2]

The three work together for these important processes and an imbalance in this can cause Dry Eye Disease and feelings of discomfort.  

There are three main types of Dry Eye Disease:  

• Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye which is caused by your lacrimal glands not producing enough aqueous tears.  

• Evaporative Dry Eye which is when your tears evaporate too quickly, meaning they’re not able to adequately lubricate and protect the surface of your eyes. This is most commonly caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.  

• Mixed Dry Eye which is where patients suffer from both aqueous tear deficiency and tear instability. Your eyes aren’t able to produce enough tears to hydrate the lens, and your tear film is unstable.[3]  

 

What are Dry Eye Symptoms?

There are a variety of symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, and many patients will experience a mix of them. Many people with Dry Eye Syndrome report excessive watering, eye twitching, soreness, irritation, dryness, a feeling of grit in the eyes, and itchiness.[4] Those living with the disease can find wearing contact lenses uncomfortable and might find reading or working on computers difficult.[5] 

 

How Can I Know if I Have Dry Eye Disease?

If you’re suffering with any of these symptoms, it might not necessarily mean you have Dry Eye Disease. Dry eyes and itchiness can be caused by a variety of things including reactions to certain medication, however many of the treatments for Dry Eye Disease may help your symptoms.  

If you’re concerned about whether you have Dry Eye Disease you can take some basic steps to test for it. Try the Stare Test on our website. Or you can speak to your eye doctor and schedule an eye exam. They may use a tear break-up time test or a Shirmer test which uses medical paper to indicate whether your eyes produce enough tears to help maintain moisture.[6] 

 

 

What are the Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome?

There’s no one singular cause for Dry Eye Disease. In fact, it an extremely common disease affecting up to 50% of all adults.[6] Older people and women are more likely to develop the condition due to hormonal factors affecting tear production and quality.[7] 

 

Other causes of Dry Eye Disease include: 

• Low humidity 

• Screentime 

• Blepharitis 

• Contact lens usage 

• Lack of sleep  

• Autoimmune diseases 

• Previous eye surgeries[8]

 

How Does your Diet Affect Dry Eyes?

But one of the causes of Dry Eye Disease that you might not be as familiar with is your diet. An unbalanced diet lacking in Omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to Dry Eye Disease.[8] 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids  

Omega-3 fatty acids are usually connected to heart health, helping to lower your triglycerides and support all your cells in your body to function as they should. They’re concentrated in high levels in cells in your eyes.[9] 

 If you’re looking to increase your intake of this essential nutrient, you can look to add more fatty fish to your diet. Mackerel, salmon, cod liver oil, and sardines are great choices.  

However, there are plant-based sources of Omega-3 (specifically omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid) such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. Soybeans contain many essential nutrients such as magnesium and potassium but are also a source of omega-6 fatty acids and supply 670mg of ALA in a half cup.[10] 

 

 

Water  

It might seem like an obvious choice but water and getting proper hydration in your diet can be beneficial for your Dry Eye Syndrome. Tears are comprised of 98% water, so to aid your body creating tears that hydrate and lubricate your eyes, you should be making sure you’re getting enough water.[11]

 

Caffeine  

While many medical professionals would advise reducing caffeine consumption for the sake of our health, recent research has suggested that caffeine can stimulate tear production.[11] 

 

Can Vitamins Help Dry Eyes?

Vitamins are crucial for a health diet overall, but there’s many specific vitamins that you should include in your diet if you’re looking to reduce your symptoms of Dry Eye Disease.  

 

Vitamin A  

You might have grown up hearing that saying ‘Carrots are good for your eyes’ and the theory many children have that carrots can help you see in the dark. However, there is truth in those old tales. Vitamin A helps maintain the eye’s surface and supports your overall vision. A healthy eye surface can help avoid irritation and the feelings of dryness and itchiness.[12] 

You can increase the amount of Vitamin A you’re consuming by adding certain foods to your diet as well as taking additional supplements. Some foods that are great sources of Vitamin A are lamb’s liver, salmon, butter, goat’s cheese, sweet potato, kale, and carrots.[13] 

 

Vitamin E  

It’s believed that Vitamin E may help improve your overall eye health and a study recently conducted claimed that vitamin E might help improve the stability of the tear film, helping your tears to adequately hydrate the eye.[14] Plus, it protects your eyes against cell damage. 

Foods that are rich in this vitamin include red peppers, almonds, pumpkin, and peanuts.  

 

Vitamin C  

Vitamin C is crucial to your eye health, but especially to those who suffer from Dry Eye Disease. It helps to maintain a functioning tear film – something you should be concerned about if you’re fighting dry and itchy eyes.  

Vitamin C supplements are very common, but to include more in your diet you should look to eat more peppers, broccoli, and brussels sprouts.[15] 

 

If you’d like to find more foods that can benefit your Dry Eye Disease, then make sure to read our other blogs on the subject here.  

 

 

Supplements for your Eyes

The most important vitamins to be paying attention to improve your eye health are Vitamin A, Vitamin E, vitamin C, Vitamin B Complex, Riboflavin, Niacin, Omega-3s, and Thiamine. If you’re looking to incorporate supplements into your daily routines, you should speak to your doctor before starting a new regimen and getting checked to see if you have an underlying deficiency.  

 

VISUshop also offers a range of food supplements, which can help improve your eye health and battle the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease. CoQUN® OS enhances the absorption of CoQ10, an antioxidant that is essential for the proper functioning of the mitochondria. Shop CoQUN® OS here. VISUfly® contains a number of vitamins and nutrients including vitamin C and Ficain that help protect cells against oxidative stress – helping reduce eye conditions such as vitreous floaters. Find out more about VISUfly® here. VISURETIN® helps aid your overall eye health with Saffron, Elderberry, Melilot, Lutepure, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Copper, and Zinc. Shop VISURETIN® here. 

 

If you’re suffering from Dry Eye Disease, you’re not alone. Our blog is full of articles, offering advice and support for navigating your symptoms and treatments that can help you live with the condition.

 

References

1. Mayo Clinic, ‘Dry Eyes’, Last Accessed October 2025
2. Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, ‘Dry Eye Syndrome’, Last Accessed October 2025
3. Cleveland Clinic, ‘Dry Eyes’, Last Accessed October 2025
4. Specsavers, ‘Dry Eye Syndrome’, Last Accessed October 2025
5. Glaucoma UK, ‘Dry Eye’, Last Accessed October 2025
6. Lazarus, Russel, ‘How is Dry Eye Syndrome Diagnosed?’, Last Accessed October 2025
7. National Eye Institute, ‘Causes of Dry Eye’, 06/12/24, Last Accessed October 2025
8. Lin, Pei-Fen, ‘The Dreaded Dry Eye’, Last Accessed October 2025
9. Cleveland Clinic, ‘Omega-3 Fatty Acids’, 17/11/22, Last Accessed October 2025
10. Hjalmarsdottir, Freydis, ‘12 Food That Are Very High in Omega-3’, Last Accessed October 2025
11. Eyes of York, ‘Can Food Help or Worsen Dry Eye Symptoms?’, 18/01/24, Last Accessed October 2025
12. South East Eye Surgeon, ‘What Diet is Best for Dry Eye?’, 17/08/24, Last Accessed October 2025
13. Arnarson, Atli, ‘20 Foods High in Vitamin A’, 01/04/24, Last Accessed October 2025
14. Fletcher, Jenna, ‘Are there any foods that help with dry eye?’, 27/06/22, Last Accessed October 2025
15. Dry Eye Centre of NY & NJ, ‘Vitamins and Foods That Relieve Dry Eye Syndrome’, Last Accessed October 2025

Why Do You Get Itchy Eyes in Winter 

Dry Eye Disease can impact your life to the point of trying anything, just to alleviate the symptoms. But if you’re looking for a real way to improve your lifestyle and overall ocular health, while helping manage symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, it might be time to look at your diet.  

 

There are many macronutrients and micronutrients to consider if you’re trying to improve the condition, and at Dry Eye and Me, we’re Dry Eye Disease experts. Here’s everything you need to know about Dry Eye Disease and your diet, including what the best foods to eat are for Dry Eye Disease symptom relief.  

 

 

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry Eye Disease is a condition that affects the layers of tears in your eyes. It’s either caused by a deficiency in the amount or quality of your tears. When your tears aren’t able to properly hydrate your eyes, it can lead to inflammation and damage to the eye’s surface.[1]

The part of your eye that’s responsible for protecting the organ (and your vision) is called the tear layer. It’s comprised of three components:  

1. The aqueous layer which is comprised largely of water. It’s produced by the lacrimal gland and moistens the eye as well as making antibodies.  

1. An oily outer layer which is produced by the Meibomian Gland. This helps to lubricate your eyes, helping you blink and stops your tears from evaporating before this process is completed.  

1. An inner mucus layer which I produced by gland inside the conjunctiva. This layer spreads tears across the surface of your eye, ensuring it’s properly protected, moistened, and lubricated.[2]

The three work together for these important processes and an imbalance in this can cause Dry Eye Disease and feelings of discomfort.  

There are three main types of Dry Eye Disease:  

• Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye which is caused by your lacrimal glands not producing enough aqueous tears.  

• Evaporative Dry Eye which is when your tears evaporate too quickly, meaning they’re not able to adequately lubricate and protect the surface of your eyes. This is most commonly caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.  

• Mixed Dry Eye which is where patients suffer from both aqueous tear deficiency and tear instability. Your eyes aren’t able to produce enough tears to hydrate the lens, and your tear film is unstable.[3]  

 

What are Dry Eye Symptoms?

There are a variety of symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, and many patients will experience a mix of them. Many people with Dry Eye Syndrome report excessive watering, eye twitching, soreness, irritation, dryness, a feeling of grit in the eyes, and itchiness.[4] Those living with the disease can find wearing contact lenses uncomfortable and might find reading or working on computers difficult.[5] 

 

How Can I Know if I Have Dry Eye Disease?

If you’re suffering with any of these symptoms, it might not necessarily mean you have Dry Eye Disease. Dry eyes and itchiness can be caused by a variety of things including reactions to certain medication, however many of the treatments for Dry Eye Disease may help your symptoms.  

If you’re concerned about whether you have Dry Eye Disease you can take some basic steps to test for it. Try the Stare Test on our website. Or you can speak to your eye doctor and schedule an eye exam. They may use a tear break-up time test or a Shirmer test which uses medical paper to indicate whether your eyes produce enough tears to help maintain moisture.[6] 

 

 

What are the Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome?

There’s no one singular cause for Dry Eye Disease. In fact, it an extremely common disease affecting up to 50% of all adults.[6] Older people and women are more likely to develop the condition due to hormonal factors affecting tear production and quality.[7] 

 

Other causes of Dry Eye Disease include: 

• Low humidity 

• Screentime 

• Blepharitis 

• Contact lens usage 

• Lack of sleep  

• Autoimmune diseases 

• Previous eye surgeries[8]

 

How Does your Diet Affect Dry Eyes?

But one of the causes of Dry Eye Disease that you might not be as familiar with is your diet. An unbalanced diet lacking in Omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to Dry Eye Disease.[8] 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids  

Omega-3 fatty acids are usually connected to heart health, helping to lower your triglycerides and support all your cells in your body to function as they should. They’re concentrated in high levels in cells in your eyes.[9] 

 If you’re looking to increase your intake of this essential nutrient, you can look to add more fatty fish to your diet. Mackerel, salmon, cod liver oil, and sardines are great choices.  

However, there are plant-based sources of Omega-3 (specifically omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid) such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. Soybeans contain many essential nutrients such as magnesium and potassium but are also a source of omega-6 fatty acids and supply 670mg of ALA in a half cup.[10] 

 

 

Water  

It might seem like an obvious choice but water and getting proper hydration in your diet can be beneficial for your Dry Eye Syndrome. Tears are comprised of 98% water, so to aid your body creating tears that hydrate and lubricate your eyes, you should be making sure you’re getting enough water.[11]

 

Caffeine  

While many medical professionals would advise reducing caffeine consumption for the sake of our health, recent research has suggested that caffeine can stimulate tear production.[11] 

 

Can Vitamins Help Dry Eyes?

Vitamins are crucial for a health diet overall, but there’s many specific vitamins that you should include in your diet if you’re looking to reduce your symptoms of Dry Eye Disease.  

 

Vitamin A  

You might have grown up hearing that saying ‘Carrots are good for your eyes’ and the theory many children have that carrots can help you see in the dark. However, there is truth in those old tales. Vitamin A helps maintain the eye’s surface and supports your overall vision. A healthy eye surface can help avoid irritation and the feelings of dryness and itchiness.[12] 

You can increase the amount of Vitamin A you’re consuming by adding certain foods to your diet as well as taking additional supplements. Some foods that are great sources of Vitamin A are lamb’s liver, salmon, butter, goat’s cheese, sweet potato, kale, and carrots.[13] 

 

Vitamin E  

It’s believed that Vitamin E may help improve your overall eye health and a study recently conducted claimed that vitamin E might help improve the stability of the tear film, helping your tears to adequately hydrate the eye.[14] Plus, it protects your eyes against cell damage. 

Foods that are rich in this vitamin include red peppers, almonds, pumpkin, and peanuts.  

 

Vitamin C  

Vitamin C is crucial to your eye health, but especially to those who suffer from Dry Eye Disease. It helps to maintain a functioning tear film – something you should be concerned about if you’re fighting dry and itchy eyes.  

Vitamin C supplements are very common, but to include more in your diet you should look to eat more peppers, broccoli, and brussels sprouts.[15] 

 

If you’d like to find more foods that can benefit your Dry Eye Disease, then make sure to read our other blogs on the subject here.  

 

 

Supplements for your Eyes

The most important vitamins to be paying attention to improve your eye health are Vitamin A, Vitamin E, vitamin C, Vitamin B Complex, Riboflavin, Niacin, Omega-3s, and Thiamine. If you’re looking to incorporate supplements into your daily routines, you should speak to your doctor before starting a new regimen and getting checked to see if you have an underlying deficiency.  

 

VISUshop also offers a range of food supplements, which can help improve your eye health and battle the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease. CoQUN® OS enhances the absorption of CoQ10, an antioxidant that is essential for the proper functioning of the mitochondria. Shop CoQUN® OS here. VISUfly® contains a number of vitamins and nutrients including vitamin C and Ficain that help protect cells against oxidative stress – helping reduce eye conditions such as vitreous floaters. Find out more about VISUfly® here. VISURETIN® helps aid your overall eye health with Saffron, Elderberry, Melilot, Lutepure, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Copper, and Zinc. Shop VISURETIN® here. 

 

If you’re suffering from Dry Eye Disease, you’re not alone. Our blog is full of articles, offering advice and support for navigating your symptoms and treatments that can help you live with the condition.

 

References

1. Mayo Clinic, ‘Dry Eyes’, Last Accessed October 2025
2. Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, ‘Dry Eye Syndrome’, Last Accessed October 2025
3. Cleveland Clinic, ‘Dry Eyes’, Last Accessed October 2025
4. Specsavers, ‘Dry Eye Syndrome’, Last Accessed October 2025
5. Glaucoma UK, ‘Dry Eye’, Last Accessed October 2025
6. Lazarus, Russel, ‘How is Dry Eye Syndrome Diagnosed?’, Last Accessed October 2025
7. National Eye Institute, ‘Causes of Dry Eye’, 06/12/24, Last Accessed October 2025
8. Lin, Pei-Fen, ‘The Dreaded Dry Eye’, Last Accessed October 2025
9. Cleveland Clinic, ‘Omega-3 Fatty Acids’, 17/11/22, Last Accessed October 2025
10. Hjalmarsdottir, Freydis, ‘12 Food That Are Very High in Omega-3’, Last Accessed October 2025
11. Eyes of York, ‘Can Food Help or Worsen Dry Eye Symptoms?’, 18/01/24, Last Accessed October 2025
12. South East Eye Surgeon, ‘What Diet is Best for Dry Eye?’, 17/08/24, Last Accessed October 2025
13. Arnarson, Atli, ‘20 Foods High in Vitamin A’, 01/04/24, Last Accessed October 2025
14. Fletcher, Jenna, ‘Are there any foods that help with dry eye?’, 27/06/22, Last Accessed October 2025
15. Dry Eye Centre of NY & NJ, ‘Vitamins and Foods That Relieve Dry Eye Syndrome’, Last Accessed October 2025

Menopause and Dry Eye: What’s the Link?

During menopause, have you noticed that you’re struggling more with your vision or experiencing a lot of discomfort around your eyes? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. In fact, there’s a link between menopause and Dry Eye Disease.

Some studies suggest that around 61% of perimenopausal and menopausal women are affected by Dry Eye Syndrome [1] , while a survey of 6,000 women revealed that one in four women said they experienced dry eyes, making it the second most common hidden symptom of menopause . [2]

 

 

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry Eye Syndrome is an extremely common eye condition affecting one in four people in the UK. [3] When your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes, you may notice inflammation in the eye which is related to a wide range of symptoms. You may experience red eyes, itching, a burning sensation, sensitivity to light, and even fatigue. Symptoms are wide-ranging, so if you’re experiencing discomfort and irritation in your eyes, it may be Dry Eye. [4]

 

What causes Dry Eye Disease?

There are several reasons you might start to show symptoms of Dry Eye disease. From smoking to aging, there are a lot of factors to consider but one you may not have thought about is your hormone levels.

During menopause your androgen hormones (which include testosterone) decrease. This hormone change affects the meibomian and lacrimal glands in the eyelids that provide the essential oils for tears. Tears moisten the eyes so you will see increased tear evaporation and drier eyes as a result.

Recent research shows that testosterone helps to manage the balance of tear production which you need to lubricate your eye. Without enough tear film, you may end up feeling an itchy, gritty, or stinging sensation – otherwise known as Dry Eye Disease.

There is also some evidence that Oestrogen levels changing during this phase can also lead to Dry Eye Disease. More research needs to be done to solidify this link but it would explain the increase in Dry Eye symptoms at different points of a woman’s monthly fertility cycle. [5]

One thing that’s clear, however, is that dry eyes can be a result of a sex hormone deficiency, meaning it’s a common side effect of menopause, when your hormone levels will drop.

 

 

Is Dry Eye Disease a common symptom of menopause?

That gritty feeling in your eyes might make you feel like you’re all alone but don’t worry. Many people deal with Dry Eye Disease every day and during menopause, it’s a very common symptom.

Menopausal symptoms vary depending on the person and their age, so you could end up facing very different symptoms and experiences from your friends. However, if you are noticing redder eyes, blurred vision, and excessive tearing then you might be dealing with hormonally-induced Dry Eye Disease.

 

How do hormones play a role in the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease and menopause?

During perimenopause and menopause, there’s a variety of changes in hormones that can be related to dry eye symptoms. We see a decrease in both Oestrogen and testosterone. Sex hormones are incredibly important to keep the ocular surface of the eye stable, which means they’ll affect producing tears, evaporating tears, draining tears, maintaining nerves behind the cornea, and maintaining the immune system of the eye. When it comes to Dry Eye the ability to keep the eyes moist (usually by tears) plays a large role. When the eyelid becomes dry and irritated, it causes pain, a burning sensation, and red eyes. [6]

During perimenopause, your sex hormone levels begin to drop and eventually, you’ll find you no longer have periods (the process we call the menopause).

After this your body entirely stops making progesterone and the production of Oestrogen and androgens decreases at a quicker rate, which is why we see the onset of these symptoms around this period of a woman’s life. [7]

 

Higher risk factors for menopause and Dry Eye Disease

One thing of note is that women who experience premature or early menopause (when the final menstrual period happens before the age of forty) are more at risk for androgen deficiency. [8]

Additionally, it may be worth considering the increased risk factor if you’ve been on Oestrogen tablets or the pill, have had surgical removal of the ovaries, or have suffered from an eating disorder that’s placed stress on the body. You can get tested for this deficiency, however, due to the levels naturally being so low in women, it’s difficult to do so.

If you’re looking into testing your levels to work out the cause of your Dry Eye Disease then make sure you get your blood taken in the morning when testosterone levels are at their highest.

 

Will HRT help dry eyes?

Most doctors would recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for alleviating particularly troublesome symptoms of menopause. Traditionally HRT replaces Oestrogen and progesterone which will fall during this period of a woman’s life. [9] However, HRT usually treats hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep issues rather than Dry Eye disease. You may be considering this treatment to soothe your dry eyes but unfortunately, research hasn’t yet proven the benefits of it.

While some studies show a small amount of improvement in the alleviation of symptoms, the largest cross-sectional study to date found that long-term use of HRT increases the risk of Dry Eye symptoms. Essentially the longer women stayed on hormone replacement therapy the worse and more frequent their Dry Eye symptoms became. [10]

So even if you were only experiencing mild Dry Eye symptoms during perimenopause, you may find that once you start treatment, you experience the onset of Dry Eye Disease.

 

 

Treating Dry Eye Syndrome during menopause

With the effects of HRT in mind, it’s important to consider how your treatments of Dry Eye symptoms will impact your treatment of other menopausal symptoms, and visa versa. HRT can help alleviate some menopausal symptoms but research shows that the treatment can make Dry Eye Disease worse.

However, many usual recommendations for Dry Eye are lifestyle suggestions that may boost your overall health. Eating well, drinking enough water, and getting enough sleep can all help battle that dry, itchy feeling while decreasing screen time can boost your mood as well!

If you’re usually a fan of contact lenses, make sure you’re also grabbing those glasses every now and then to give your eyes a break. Hydrating eye drops in the mornings and evening can help soothe your eyes, and make sure you’re limiting stress where you can. [11]

If your dry eyes are chronic or causing large problems in your life the VISUshop site has a wide range of products for treatment and prevention you can check out here .

 

For more information on Dry Eye and Menopause, take a look at our other blogs on the subject, and what you can do to alleviate your dry, itchy eyes.

 

References

1. ‘What’s the Link between Dry Eye and Menopause?’ Dryeyecare.net, 08/04/21, Last Accessed January 2024
2. ‘Dry Eyes and Menopause Demystified’, Balance by Newson Health, 24/06/23, Last Accessed January 2024
3. ‘Dry Eye Syndrome’, Association of Optometrists, Last Accessed January 2024
4. ‘Dry Eye Symptoms’, Dry Eye and Me, Last Accessed January 2024
5. Lazarus, Russel, ‘Dry Eye and Menopause’, Optometrists.org, 09/09/2020, Last Accessed January 2024
6. Millar, Helen, ‘Dry Eyes and Menopause: What to Know’, Medical News Today, 18/09/23, Last Accessed January 2024
7. ‘The Link Between Menopause and Dry Eye’, Slingsby & Huot Eye Associates, Last Accessed January 2024
8. ‘Androgen Deficiency in Women’, Better Health Channel, Last Accessed January 2024
9. ‘About Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)’, NHS, Accessed January 2024
10. Osborn, Corrinne, ‘Menopause and Dry Eyes: What’s the Link?’, Healthline, Last Accessed January 2024
11. ‘Dry Eyes: The Unexpected Symptom of Perimenopause and Menopause’, The Latte Lounge, 26/09/22, Last Accessed January 2024

Hay Fever Season: How to Fight Dry Eye When You Step Outside 

Hay Fever, dry eye disease, or something else entirely?

 

Are dry eyes ruining your morning run? Do you struggle on your commute? Scared to wear makeup now for fear of it streaming down your face by the time you step into the office? Don’t worry, you’re not alone – and this doesn’t need to be a constant battle. 

 

Dry Eye or hay fever?

 

Often, people find that dry eyes are worse in the morning or before they go to bed. The first step to tackling your health problems is to work out its root cause. It could be dry eye disease causing your troubles, or it could be hay fever and allergy symptoms. 

 

Hay fever and seasonal allergies affect everyone in different ways. When hay fever season starts up (usually late March to September) you’ll see the symptoms worsening. From sneezing fits, to a runny nose and dry itchy eyes, hay fever is caused by an allergy to pollen which is a common pollutant in the air. There is no current cure for hay fever, but you can take a medication called antihistamines to lessen its effect. [1]  

 

 

Some people do experience hay fever in the winter. This can be due to a number of reasons like living in a warmer climate where plants may not go dormant and therefore release pollen all year long. If you suffer from Allergic Rhinitis (which pollen is the most common cause of) you can also experience similar hay fever symptoms due to mould, pet dander, and even dust mites – all of which may feel worse due to being indoors more! Often people will mistake this for a common cold, but if you’re feeling itchy, think hay fever. If you’re feeling achy, think cold. 

 

It can be really tricky to work out if your symptoms are caused by dry eye disease or hay fever, but there are some key distinctions. If your dry eye symptoms improve in autumn and winter, it’s likely caused by a pollen allergy, rather than dry eye disease. Additionally, if you’ve also experienced cold-like symptoms such as a dry throat and runny nose, and you’re not experiencing a sensitivity to light or a gritty feeling in your eyes, it’s more likely to be hay fever and allergy symptoms. [2] 

 

Other conditions that could be causing your dry eye

 

If your dry eye symptoms hit before you’ve even had a chance to take a step out of the door though, then it’s time to consider other possible causes. Nocturnal Lagophthalmos can make it difficult to close your eye completely at night, leading to air exposure which worsens dry eye symptoms in the morning. [3] This condition has to be treated properly or it can lead to impaired vision. [4] 

 

Another possible explanation for painful, inflamed eyes in the morning is Blepharitis which is an inflammation along the edges of the eyelid. You may find your eyelids are crusty and itchy when you wake up, and you can even have issues opening your eyes. [5]

 

 

Other possible explanations for your dry eyes in the mornings

You may even find that certain medications that you take at bedtime can cause dry eye symptoms in the morning. Even antihistamines that you may take to lessen the symptoms of hay fever during the day can cause eyes to feel dry in the morning. [6]

 

Sleeping with air conditioning and heating units can also affect the way your eyes feel and your dry eye symptoms in the morning, as can your environment. [7] This can be a simple fix that will go a long way to improving your life. 

 

Many factors can cause dry, itchy, and even sore eyes when you wake up. Hormonal fluctuations and age can also contribute, so if you’ve noticed that you’re tearing up in the mornings more often as you approach your 60s, you’re not alone and you don’t need to worry. 

 

Luckily, many of the treatments for dry eye syndrome can soothe these symptoms and leave you feeling ready to start your day. 

 

Treating Dry Eye in the mornings 

 

If your symptoms most closely match dry eye and they worsen in the mornings then there are ways you can take action and treat it. Create a morning and evening routine that will help rather than harm. The hot air from hair dryers can worsen eye dryness so towel dry your hair instead. Use eye drops before bed to moisten your eyes. You can even wash your eyelids and use a warm compress if you’re looking to soothe chronic dry eye symptoms. [8]

 

Take a look at our 10 Tips To Ease Dry Eye at Night blog, as many of these tips will relieve symptoms the morning after as well. [9] 

 

Whether it’s hay fever and seasonal allergies, or dry eye disease, eye drops can definitely help you feel a little brighter and soothe painful, itchy eyes. VisuXL® Gel eye drops can lubricate your eyes for up to twelve hours using a thicker moisture barrier. Use them day and night! 

 

 

The best way to fight dry eyes when you step outside is good preparation. That includes working out what’s causing your irritation so you best know how to tackle it. To fight dry eyes in the morning a great routine for the morning and night will help relieve symptoms, as well as to make sure you’re supporting your overall eye health. Follow these tips for the hay fever season and beyond to feel ready to take on the day without dry eye disease bringing you down. 

 

We hope this article has answered your Dry Eye questions. However, if not please reach out to us on our socials, join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and discover more advice to help your eyes.

 

References

1. NHS Inform, “Hay fever.”, Last Accessed November 2023.
2. NI Direct, “Hay fever”, Last Accessed November 2023.
3. Lazarus, Russel. “Why is Dry Eye Worse in the Mornings?” Optometrists.org, Last Accessed November 2023.
4. Eye Clinic London, “Waking Up With Dry Eyes: Causes & Treatment.”, Last Accessed November 2023.
5. Mayo Clinic, “Blepharitis – Symptoms & Causes.”, Last Accessed November 2023.
6. Professional Vision | Ellicott City Eye Doctors, Eye Exam, Eyewear, “Why Are My Eyes Dry in the Morning?”, Last Accessed November 2023.
7. A. Vogel, “3 Reasons you have Dry Eyes in the Morning.” Last Accessed November 2023.
8. Griff, Ann Marie, “9 Tips for Your Daily Routine with Chronic Dry Eye”, Healthline, Last Accessed November 2023.
9. Wang, Michael TM. “10 Tips to Ease Dry Eye at Night.” Dry Eye And Me, Last Accessed 6 November 2023.

Dry Eye and Sjögren’s Syndrome

Did you know that approximately one in ten patients with Dry Eye Disease also have Sjögren’s syndrome?[1] If you have both conditions, we’re here to support you. In this blog, we’ll be exploring the relationship between the two conditions and how you can treat them.

What is Sjögren’s syndrome?

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition, meaning that instead of protecting the body from abnormal cells, the immune system starts attacking healthy cells and tissue.[2] In this case, it affects the parts of the body that create fluids, like tears and saliva.[3] The condition can occur on its own or with other diseases linked to the immune system, like rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause dry eyes.[4] For more information on this condition, visit our blog: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Dry Eye

How are Sjögren’s syndrome and Dry Eye Disease linked?

Sjögren’s syndrome usually appears in people aged 40-60.[3] As with Dry Eye Syndrome, it is much more common in women than men, with women nine times more likely to have Sjögren’s syndrome.[3][4] While there isn’t yet a definitive answer as to why Sjögren’s syndrome affects women more than men, researchers believe it could be linked to the hormone estrogen. Estrogen levels drop after menopause, which aligns with the ages that Sjögren’s syndrome appears.[5] To find out more about dry eyes and menopause, visit our blog: 5 Things You Need to Know About Menopause and Dry Eye

Overall, Sjögren’s syndrome and Dry Eye Disease are linked because of the immune system’s attack on tear glands. It limits the production of tears that would usually add moisture to your eyes, resulting in dry eyes.[6] Read on to find out more about the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eyes.

 

What are the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eyes?

There are a whole host of Sjögren’s syndrome symptoms to look out for! These include:

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Dry skin
• Tiredness
• Vaginal dryness
• Muscle or joint pain
• Swollen salivary glands
• Rashes [3]

Because of the lack of tears being produced, people might notice Dry Eye symptoms such as:

• Itchy eyes
• Burning eyes
• Aching eyes
• Eyes feel heavy
• Eyes feel sore
• Eyes feel gritty or sandy
• Eyes are red
• Eyes are blurry
• Feeling fatigued

For more symptoms of dry eyes, visit our web page: Symptoms of Dry Eye

How do you treat dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome?

There is no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome, but there are treatments that can help alleviate symptoms.[3] Follow these steps:

 

Stay hydrated

Adding more water to your body is a great way to combat dry eyes. Experts recommend drinking eight to 10 glasses of water a day to keep your body completely hydrated.[7] To help you do this, buy a labelled water bottle or keep a note of how much water you are drinking per day.

Avoid alcohol

Drinking alcohol is bad for dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome as it can dehydrate your body. As both conditions already do this, symptoms are intensified. Click here for more information: Is Drinking Alcohol Bad For Your Eyes?

Eat well

What you eat can affect your eyes and health in general. You can support yourself by adding vitamins and minerals into your diet, such as Vitamin A, E and C.[8] Read more about eye health: 6 Vitamins for Dry Eyes

Consider moisture chamber goggles

Did you know wearing glasses can reduce tear evaporation by up to 30%? This can be maximised by wearing moisture chamber goggles.[2] These can be worn in the day, but it’s also a good idea to sleep in them. Find out more here: 10 Tips to Ease Dry Eye at Night

Use eye drops

Lubricating your eyes is one of the best ways to treat dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome. To find out whether you should opt for eye drops or eye gel for dry eyes, read this useful resource: Eye Drops vs Eye Gel for the Treatment of Dry Eyes

 

For more information about conditions related to dry eyes, visit our blog: 6 Conditions that Cause Dry Eye.

 

In most cases, the best way to treat dry eyes, Also known as dry eye syndrome, is to use eye gel or eye drops.

VisuXL Gel^® is a preservative-free smart gel lubricant for dry eye syndrome. It provides comfort in a bottle with it’s long-lasting lubrication properties giving 12-hour dosing with just one drop and is suitable for both day and night use.

VisuXL^® is a preservative-free eye drop lubricant for dry eye syndrome. Due to its unique ingredients, VisuXL^® will help you recover from eye surgery, an injury or persistent damaging dry eye.

VisuEvo^® is a preservative-free eye drop that prevents excessive evaporation of the tear film. Its unique formula contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and D and ultra-filtered phospholipids that facilitate tear film presentation and control evaporation.

All three products are contact lens-friendly and can be used for 180 days after opening.

Shop now

 

References

1. Akpek EK, Bunya VY, Saldanha IJ. ‘Sjögren’s Syndrome: More Than Just Dry Eye’, Cornea, National Library of Medicine, 2019 May;38(5):658-661. Accessed July 2023.
2. NHS Inform, ‘Sjogren’s syndrome’, 23/02/2023. Accessed July 2023.
3. NHS, ‘Sjögren’s syndrome’, 21/04/2020. Accessed July 2023.
4. Women’s Health Research Institute, ‘Sjogren’s Syndrome More Common in Women’. Accessed July 2023.
5. Arthritis Foundation, ‘Sjögren’s syndrome’. Accessed July 2023.
6. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, ‘Sjögren’s Syndrome’, 01/2021. Accessed July 2023.
7. Complete Eye Care, ‘How Does Hydration Affect My Eyes?’. Accessed July 2023.
8. Meixner, M. ‘The 9 Most Important Vitamins for Eye Health’, 16/02/2023. Accessed July 2023.

Nocturnal Lagophthalmos and Dry Eye

Did you know that approximately one in ten patients with Dry Eye Disease also have Sjögren’s syndrome?[1] If you have both conditions, we’re here to support you. In this blog, we’ll be exploring the relationship between the two conditions and how you can treat them.

What is Sjögren’s syndrome?

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition, meaning that instead of protecting the body from abnormal cells, the immune system starts attacking healthy cells and tissue.[2] In this case, it affects the parts of the body that create fluids, like tears and saliva.[3] The condition can occur on its own or with other diseases linked to the immune system, like rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause dry eyes.[4] For more information on this condition, visit our blog: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Dry Eye

How are Sjögren’s syndrome and Dry Eye Disease linked?

Sjögren’s syndrome usually appears in people aged 40-60.[3] As with Dry Eye Syndrome, it is much more common in women than men, with women nine times more likely to have Sjögren’s syndrome.[3][4] While there isn’t yet a definitive answer as to why Sjögren’s syndrome affects women more than men, researchers believe it could be linked to the hormone estrogen. Estrogen levels drop after menopause, which aligns with the ages that Sjögren’s syndrome appears.[5] To find out more about dry eyes and menopause, visit our blog: 5 Things You Need to Know About Menopause and Dry Eye

Overall, Sjögren’s syndrome and Dry Eye Disease are linked because of the immune system’s attack on tear glands. It limits the production of tears that would usually add moisture to your eyes, resulting in dry eyes.[6] Read on to find out more about the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eyes.

 

What are the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eyes?

There are a whole host of Sjögren’s syndrome symptoms to look out for! These include:

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Dry skin
• Tiredness
• Vaginal dryness
• Muscle or joint pain
• Swollen salivary glands
• Rashes [3]

Because of the lack of tears being produced, people might notice Dry Eye symptoms such as:

• Itchy eyes
• Burning eyes
• Aching eyes
• Eyes feel heavy
• Eyes feel sore
• Eyes feel gritty or sandy
• Eyes are red
• Eyes are blurry
• Feeling fatigued

For more symptoms of dry eyes, visit our web page: Symptoms of Dry Eye

How do you treat dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome?

There is no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome, but there are treatments that can help alleviate symptoms.[3] Follow these steps:

 

Stay hydrated

Adding more water to your body is a great way to combat dry eyes. Experts recommend drinking eight to 10 glasses of water a day to keep your body completely hydrated.[7] To help you do this, buy a labelled water bottle or keep a note of how much water you are drinking per day.

Avoid alcohol

Drinking alcohol is bad for dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome as it can dehydrate your body. As both conditions already do this, symptoms are intensified. Click here for more information: Is Drinking Alcohol Bad For Your Eyes?

Eat well

What you eat can affect your eyes and health in general. You can support yourself by adding vitamins and minerals into your diet, such as Vitamin A, E and C.[8] Read more about eye health: 6 Vitamins for Dry Eyes

Consider moisture chamber goggles

Did you know wearing glasses can reduce tear evaporation by up to 30%? This can be maximised by wearing moisture chamber goggles.[2] These can be worn in the day, but it’s also a good idea to sleep in them. Find out more here: 10 Tips to Ease Dry Eye at Night

Use eye drops

Lubricating your eyes is one of the best ways to treat dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome. To find out whether you should opt for eye drops or eye gel for dry eyes, read this useful resource: Eye Drops vs Eye Gel for the Treatment of Dry Eyes

 

For more information about conditions related to dry eyes, visit our blog: 6 Conditions that Cause Dry Eye.

 

In most cases, the best way to treat dry eyes, Also known as dry eye syndrome, is to use eye gel or eye drops.

VisuXL Gel^® is a preservative-free smart gel lubricant for dry eye syndrome. It provides comfort in a bottle with it’s long-lasting lubrication properties giving 12-hour dosing with just one drop and is suitable for both day and night use.

VisuXL^® is a preservative-free eye drop lubricant for dry eye syndrome. Due to its unique ingredients, VisuXL^® will help you recover from eye surgery, an injury or persistent damaging dry eye.

VisuEvo^® is a preservative-free eye drop that prevents excessive evaporation of the tear film. Its unique formula contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and D and ultra-filtered phospholipids that facilitate tear film presentation and control evaporation.

All three products are contact lens-friendly and can be used for 180 days after opening.

Shop now

 

References

1. Akpek EK, Bunya VY, Saldanha IJ. ‘Sjögren’s Syndrome: More Than Just Dry Eye’, Cornea, National Library of Medicine, 2019 May;38(5):658-661. Accessed July 2023.
2. NHS Inform, ‘Sjogren’s syndrome’, 23/02/2023. Accessed July 2023.
3. NHS, ‘Sjögren’s syndrome’, 21/04/2020. Accessed July 2023.
4. Women’s Health Research Institute, ‘Sjogren’s Syndrome More Common in Women’. Accessed July 2023.
5. Arthritis Foundation, ‘Sjögren’s syndrome’. Accessed July 2023.
6. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, ‘Sjögren’s Syndrome’, 01/2021. Accessed July 2023.
7. Complete Eye Care, ‘How Does Hydration Affect My Eyes?’. Accessed July 2023.
8. Meixner, M. ‘The 9 Most Important Vitamins for Eye Health’, 16/02/2023. Accessed July 2023.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Dry Eye

Did you know that approximately one in ten patients with Dry Eye Disease also have Sjögren’s syndrome?[1] If you have both conditions, we’re here to support you. In this blog, we’ll be exploring the relationship between the two conditions and how you can treat them.

What is Sjögren’s syndrome?

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition, meaning that instead of protecting the body from abnormal cells, the immune system starts attacking healthy cells and tissue.[2] In this case, it affects the parts of the body that create fluids, like tears and saliva.[3] The condition can occur on its own or with other diseases linked to the immune system, like rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause dry eyes.[4] For more information on this condition, visit our blog: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Dry Eye

How are Sjögren’s syndrome and Dry Eye Disease linked?

Sjögren’s syndrome usually appears in people aged 40-60.[3] As with Dry Eye Syndrome, it is much more common in women than men, with women nine times more likely to have Sjögren’s syndrome.[3][4] While there isn’t yet a definitive answer as to why Sjögren’s syndrome affects women more than men, researchers believe it could be linked to the hormone estrogen. Estrogen levels drop after menopause, which aligns with the ages that Sjögren’s syndrome appears.[5] To find out more about dry eyes and menopause, visit our blog: 5 Things You Need to Know About Menopause and Dry Eye

Overall, Sjögren’s syndrome and Dry Eye Disease are linked because of the immune system’s attack on tear glands. It limits the production of tears that would usually add moisture to your eyes, resulting in dry eyes.[6] Read on to find out more about the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eyes.

 

What are the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eyes?

There are a whole host of Sjögren’s syndrome symptoms to look out for! These include:

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Dry skin
• Tiredness
• Vaginal dryness
• Muscle or joint pain
• Swollen salivary glands
• Rashes [3]

Because of the lack of tears being produced, people might notice Dry Eye symptoms such as:

• Itchy eyes
• Burning eyes
• Aching eyes
• Eyes feel heavy
• Eyes feel sore
• Eyes feel gritty or sandy
• Eyes are red
• Eyes are blurry
• Feeling fatigued

For more symptoms of dry eyes, visit our web page: Symptoms of Dry Eye

How do you treat dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome?

There is no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome, but there are treatments that can help alleviate symptoms.[3] Follow these steps:

 

Stay hydrated

Adding more water to your body is a great way to combat dry eyes. Experts recommend drinking eight to 10 glasses of water a day to keep your body completely hydrated.[7] To help you do this, buy a labelled water bottle or keep a note of how much water you are drinking per day.

Avoid alcohol

Drinking alcohol is bad for dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome as it can dehydrate your body. As both conditions already do this, symptoms are intensified. Click here for more information: Is Drinking Alcohol Bad For Your Eyes?

Eat well

What you eat can affect your eyes and health in general. You can support yourself by adding vitamins and minerals into your diet, such as Vitamin A, E and C.[8] Read more about eye health: 6 Vitamins for Dry Eyes

Consider moisture chamber goggles

Did you know wearing glasses can reduce tear evaporation by up to 30%? This can be maximised by wearing moisture chamber goggles.[2] These can be worn in the day, but it’s also a good idea to sleep in them. Find out more here: 10 Tips to Ease Dry Eye at Night

Use eye drops

Lubricating your eyes is one of the best ways to treat dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome. To find out whether you should opt for eye drops or eye gel for dry eyes, read this useful resource: Eye Drops vs Eye Gel for the Treatment of Dry Eyes

 

For more information about conditions related to dry eyes, visit our blog: 6 Conditions that Cause Dry Eye.

 

In most cases, the best way to treat dry eyes, Also known as dry eye syndrome, is to use eye gel or eye drops.

VisuXL Gel^® is a preservative-free smart gel lubricant for dry eye syndrome. It provides comfort in a bottle with it’s long-lasting lubrication properties giving 12-hour dosing with just one drop and is suitable for both day and night use.

VisuXL^® is a preservative-free eye drop lubricant for dry eye syndrome. Due to its unique ingredients, VisuXL^® will help you recover from eye surgery, an injury or persistent damaging dry eye.

VisuEvo^® is a preservative-free eye drop that prevents excessive evaporation of the tear film. Its unique formula contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and D and ultra-filtered phospholipids that facilitate tear film presentation and control evaporation.

All three products are contact lens-friendly and can be used for 180 days after opening.

Shop now

 

References

1. Akpek EK, Bunya VY, Saldanha IJ. ‘Sjögren’s Syndrome: More Than Just Dry Eye’, Cornea, National Library of Medicine, 2019 May;38(5):658-661. Accessed July 2023.
2. NHS Inform, ‘Sjogren’s syndrome’, 23/02/2023. Accessed July 2023.
3. NHS, ‘Sjögren’s syndrome’, 21/04/2020. Accessed July 2023.
4. Women’s Health Research Institute, ‘Sjogren’s Syndrome More Common in Women’. Accessed July 2023.
5. Arthritis Foundation, ‘Sjögren’s syndrome’. Accessed July 2023.
6. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, ‘Sjögren’s Syndrome’, 01/2021. Accessed July 2023.
7. Complete Eye Care, ‘How Does Hydration Affect My Eyes?’. Accessed July 2023.
8. Meixner, M. ‘The 9 Most Important Vitamins for Eye Health’, 16/02/2023. Accessed July 2023.