From BZ/dpa
They burn, itch and sting: Dry eyes are uncomfortable and can also become inflamed. Menopausal women in particular are often affected. That can help.
The fact that the hormonal balance changes during menopause is a problem for many women. As if hot flashes or sleep disorders weren’t enough, many also have dry eyes.
A lack of certain hormones – androgens – means that the so-called Meibomian glands on the edge of the eyelid often produce less secretion.
The professional association of ophthalmologists in Germany (BVA) points this out. If we have too little of this fatty secretion, the tear film on the eyes evaporates more quickly.
The result is burning, light-sensitive eyes. And the eyesight can also decrease. Particularly unpleasant: the feeling of constantly having fine grains of sand in your eye.
Massaging the edges of the lids can help
An ophthalmologist should clarify whether there are other reasons for dry eyes in addition to the hormonal changes during menopause.
If the symptoms are due to the declining work of the Meibomian glands, a gentle massage and cleaning of the edges of the eyelids can provide relief. To do this, place warm compresses on the eyes to liquefy the secretions in the Meibomian glands. Then gently stroke the lids with a clean cotton swab towards the edge of the lid.
Eye drops or gels can also help with dry eyes.
In addition, those affected should make sure to drink enough and to blink frequently when working on the screen. This means that the tear film is distributed evenly over the surface of the eye, according to the BVA.
Also good for dry eyes: fresh air.