Dry eye disease is a common condition that affects millions of people, but it’s significantly more prevalent in women. Studies show that women are twice as likely to experience dry eyes as men. If you’re dealing with symptoms like burning or gritty eyes, our team offers effective dry eye treatment in Plymouth to help you find relief.
Understanding why dry eye affects women more often can lead to better prevention and care. From hormonal changes to autoimmune conditions, several underlying factors contribute to this gender gap in eye comfort and health.
Hormonal changes
Estrogen and androgen levels help regulate tear production and the quality of the tear film. When hormone levels shift, such as during pregnancy or menopause or while using birth control, women may experience changes in tear production that lead to dry eye symptoms.
As estrogen increases and androgens decrease, the meibomian glands (which produce the oily layer of your tears) may not function as well, leading to quicker tear evaporation and eye irritation.
Autoimmune conditions and inflammation
Autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, which are all more common in women, can also affect tear production. These conditions often target the glands that produce moisture, leading to chronic dry eye symptoms that require ongoing management.
Even in women without autoimmune diseases, inflammation can still contribute to dry eye. The delicate balance of oil, water, and mucus in your tears can be thrown off by inflammation in the eyelids or tear glands, making it harder for your eyes to stay comfortably lubricated.
Makeup and eye care habits
Cosmetic use, especially around the eyes, can contribute to dry eye symptoms. Eyeliners, mascara, and makeup removers can block the tiny glands in your eyelids that keep your eyes lubricated. If makeup isn’t removed properly, buildup on the eyelids can also lead to inflammation or a condition called blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), which often overlaps with dry eye.
Advanced treatments for lasting relief
At Progressive Family Eye Care, we have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating dry eyes. We offer advanced treatments designed to target the root cause of your symptoms, not just the surface irritation:
- BlephEx® treatment: Gently cleans the eyelid margins to remove biofilm and reduce inflammation.
- iLux® treatment: Uses heat and gentle pressure to unclog meibomian glands and restore healthy tear production.
- OptiLight IPL therapy: A light-based treatment that targets inflammation and supports long-term tear film stability.
These treatments can be very beneficial, especially for women suffering from chronic symptoms or underlying conditions.
Get personalized dry eye care
Every patient is unique, and so is their dry eye. If you’re dealing with burning, gritty, or watery eyes, visit us to get to the root of your symptoms.
At Progressive Family Eye Care, we will help you find relief with a treatment plan tailored to your needs, lifestyle, and eye health. Please schedule an appointment with our experts today!
