Research highlights menopause-related dry eye symptoms and optometry treatment

Research highlights menopause-related dry eye symptoms and optometry treatment

New research has highlighted how menopausal women are experiencing dry eye – despite the symptom being absent from official health resources.

The research from Specsavers polling 1,000 menopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women reveals that everyday irritations like dry eyes, burning tongues, digestive issues, and tingling limbs are widely flying under the radar.

Some 42% of women surveyed experience dry eyes – causing their vision to feel gritty (38%), itchy (31%), blurry (30%), and light-sensitive (18%). Despite this affecting one in two menopausal women, only 23% were aware that dry eyes were linked to the menopause, and the condition is not currently listed on the official NHS website page for menopause symptoms.

The good news is that simple, actionable advice and treatment is available that can help soothe these irritations, allowing people to focus on what matters.

Dr Zoe Williams, GP, TV personality, and Specsavers partner, says: ‘Hormonal fluctuations, particularly drops in oestrogen, cause systemic changes throughout the body. They alter blood pressure, nerve signalling, gut motility, and drastically reduce tear, saliva, and natural oil production. This triggers a range of symptoms that women simply do not expect. 

‘Dry eyes often feel irritated and uncomfortable. Around one in three people experience dry eye symptoms, rising to one in two menopausal women due to declining oestrogen levels. Taking screen breaks, wearing sunglasses and adding omega-3s to your diet may help.’

Leanne Lindsay, optometrist from Specsavers Lisburn, says: ‘We regularly see menopausal women experiencing dry eyes, often without realising it can be linked to hormonal changes.

‘It’s a surprisingly common issue which can be very uncomfortable, and which many women don’t realise there is treatment for. And the treatment can make a significant difference – not just to comfort, but to the quality of vision day to day.

‘Many patients say that after procedures like ZEST, everything becomes clearer, more comfortable, and easier to focus on. It’s a simple step that can have a big impact on how you see and feel.’

ZEST is a quick, painless 10-to-20-minute procedure using a natural, okra-based gel and a specialised swab to deep-clean the eyelids and lashes. By clearing away the biofilm, debris, and mites that block vital oil glands, it delivers immediate, soothing relief, allowing women to regain comfort and focus on their daily lives.

The research was commissioned by Specsavers and took place in May 2026. 1,000 women from the UK who are currently going through the menopause or have previously gone through it, were surveyed.