One of the most notable vision problems that affect women in larger numbers is dry eyes, or keratoconjuctivitis sicca. More than 60 percent of women suffer from dry eyes at a ratio of nine to one over men. Eyes become dry because the glands in the inner eyelids don’t produce enough oil, tears evaporate too quickly, or both. Dry eye syndrome has several causes. It occurs as a part of the natural aging process but also can develop as a side effect of medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, certain blood pressure medicines, Parkinson's medications and birth control pills; from contact lens wear or dry air conditions.
For women, it is usually a result of hormones -- such as when women go through menopause, pregnancy or take birth control pills. The solution sometimes lies with the gynaecologist and not the eye doctor because if it happens during menopause, there is very little an eye doctor can do to control the hormones that cause the dry eye symptoms.
Like women going through menopause, pregnant women also suffer from dry eye, most likely because of the high level of estrogen. This typically occurs during the last trimester. That is when there is a lot of dryness and because of chemistry and slight changes in astigmatism, vision can slightly change, but tends to go back to the way it was before pregnancy.
Along with lubricating eye drops, our doctors may recommend over the counter supplements such as TheraTears Nutrition that help lubricate with flaxseed and fish oils. In more severe cases, we may use prescribed products such as Restasis or insert punctal plugs. If you suspect you may have a dry eye condition, call Carolina Ophthalmology Associates to schedule an appointment today.
