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Dry Eye and Menopausal Women

 84% are unaware that the condition is linked to menopause.


lasik Dry Eye linked to menopause can affect Lasik outcomes.

 
 

WASHINGTON, April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Among the many symptoms endured by menopausal and peri-menopausal women is dry eye, a condition that, if left untreated, may lead to increased risk of infection or visual impairment. However, a recent survey found that surprisingly few women know that dry eye is a symptom of menopause.

The survey, sponsored by the Society for Women's Health Research, revealed that 62 percent of menopausal and peri-menopausal women reported that they experience dry eye symptoms. Yet, only 16 percent of the women experiencing dry eye symptoms knew that dry eye is linked to menopause. The survey, conducted in March, polled 304 women in menopause and peri-menopause, the period when the hormonal changes of menopause begin to occur.

"Dry eye isn't just a necessary evil of growing older," said Phyllis E. Greenberger, MSW, President and CEO, Society for Women's Health Research. "For many women, dry eye is related to the changing hormone levels of menopause just as much as hot flashes, depression, insomnia and vaginal dryness."

Greenberger noted that about 3.2 million women over age 50 are affected by chronic dry eye. "But for these women, dry eye isn't something they have to just live with; it's something that easily can be treated."

Of the 62 percent of women experiencing dry eye symptoms, less than 59 percent of these women had spoken to a doctor about their dry eye. Although the majority of women surveyed had not spoken to a physician and did not know the cause of their dry eye, nearly all knew they had a problem. About 58 percent said they had used over-the-counter eye drops to treat their dry eye symptoms.

"The prevalence of over-the-counter eye drop use indicates that women are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms that they should discuss with a doctor," said Laurie Barber, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. "Fortunately, treatments are available. A person who uses artificial tears three or more times a day may be a candidate for other treatments, such as a prescription drop with cyclosporine A. Environmental adjustments may also be necessary, and considerations should be given to systemic medications and dietary intake. Ask your eye doctor for more information."

The treatment options for dry eye are based not only on disease severity, but also an evaluation of the cause of the disease. It is now known that an inflammatory process in the eye is an important underlying cause of dry eye. There are three main medical treatment options: artificial tears, prescription therapies and surgery. One of the latest therapy advances is the first prescription therapy that increases tear production in patients with dry eye resulting from ocular inflammation.

Nearly 40 percent of Americans regularly experience symptoms of dry eye including blurred vision; dry, gritty, or sore eyes; and eyes that tire easily. Women and men are encouraged to visit www.FocusOnDryEye.com to take a free Dry Eye Quiz, which may be printed and taken to an eye care professional to discuss appropriate treatments. In addition to the Dry Eye Quiz, the Web site contains more information about dry eye symptoms, causes, diagnosis, possible long-term effects and treatment options.

About Dry Eye

Dry eye is one of the most common complaints seen by eye doctors, accounting for nearly one fourth of all office visits. Caused by insufficient tear production or excessive tear evaporation, dry eye can be a mild, episodic feeling of discomfort associated with certain circumstances, such as exposure to dry, hot or windy environments; however, it can also be a chronic medical condition that, if left untreated, may lead to increased risk of infection or visual impairment.

Chronic dry eye can have a significant and negative impact on a person's quality of life, interfering with vision-related activities including reading, professional work, computer use and night driving. Studies confirm that many patients make significant changes to their daily lives to manage their symptoms. A recent survey showed that people with moderate to severe dry eye experience as much impact from their disease as those who suffer from moderate to severe chest pain.

Dry eye is a growing public health issue. The risk of dry eye increases with age, so the number of people affected will increase in coming years, as the population ages.

About the Survey

The survey polled 304 women between the ages of 45 and 57 nationwide to determine the extent of awareness of dry eye as a symptom of menopause. The survey was fielded using the International Communications Research (ICR) telephone omnibus survey of adults age 18 and over. ICR, headquartered in Media, Pennsylvania, is one of the nation's leading market and opinion research firms. The survey had a margin of error of + or - 5.62% percent and was conducted under an unrestricted grant from Allergan, Inc.

About Society for Women's Health Research

The Society for Women's Health Research is the nation's only non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health of all women through research, education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the Society brought to national attention the need for the appropriate inclusion of women in major medical research studies and the need for more information about conditions affecting women disproportionately, predominately, or differently than men. The Society advocates increased funding for research on women's health; encourages the study of sex differences that may affect the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease; promotes the inclusion of women in medical research studies; and informs women, providers, policy makers and media about contemporary women's health issues. Visit the Society's Web site at www.womenshealthresearch.org for more information.

Source: Society for Women's Health Research


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