Why Dry Eye Is More Common in Women: Hormones, Autoimmunity & Beauty
Dry, irritated, burning eyes? If you're a woman, you're not imagining things—dry eye disease really does affect women more than men. In fact, women are nearly twice as likely to experience symptoms of dry eye. Here's why, and what steps you can take to protect your eye health.
4 Reasons Why Women Are More Likely to Suffer from Dry Eye
Hormonal changes, lifestyle habits, and immune health all contribute to the increased risk of dry eye disease in women. While each woman’s experience is unique, there are several well-established reasons behind this gender disparity. Understanding the root causes can help you take proactive steps to protect and care for your eyes.
1. Hormones
Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life can have a direct impact on eye health. Estrogen and androgen levels help regulate tear production and meibomian gland function. When these hormones shift—such as during pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause—tear stability can decline, leading to symptoms like burning, dryness, or redness. Women with lower androgen levels may also experience a reduction in oil secretion from the meibomian glands, which causes tears to evaporate too quickly. This often results in chronic irritation and inflammation that worsens without intervention. Even women on hormone replacement therapy or those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may notice changes in their eye comfort. Supporting the tear film through both nutritional and in-office interventions is key.
Treatment tip: Many patients benefit from Omega-3 supplementation and in-office therapies like OptiLight IPL to reduce inflammation and stimulate better gland function.
2. Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives, particularly those that are estrogen-dominant, can affect the tear film by altering the production and quality of both the watery and oily layers of tears. These hormonal shifts may lead to symptoms like dryness, stinging, and eye fatigue, especially in those who wear contact lenses or spend a lot of time on screens. While not every woman on birth control experiences dry eye, it’s a growing area of awareness in both gynecology and optometry. The effects can be subtle at first, making regular monitoring essential. Over time, chronic dryness can impact vision quality and eye surface health. Maintaining proper hydration, blink hygiene, and gland function is essential for women on birth control.
Treatment tip: If you're on oral contraceptives, regular dry eye checkups and a strong home care routine using Optase lubricating drops or moist heat masks can help maintain tear quality.
3. Autoimmune Disorders
Women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune conditions, which frequently involve inflammation of moisture-producing glands. Sjogren’s disease, for example, is a systemic autoimmune disease that targets the tear and salivary glands, causing dry eye and dry mouth as hallmark symptoms. Other conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can also compromise tear production and contribute to severe ocular surface disease. In many cases, dry eye symptoms may appear before a full autoimmune diagnosis is made, acting as an early red flag. These patients may also experience light sensitivity, eye pain, or recurrent infections. Close collaboration between eye care providers and rheumatologists is crucial to provide comprehensive care.
Treatment tip: For ongoing relief, many patients with autoimmune-based dry eye benefit from autologous serum eye drops.
4. Cosmetics & Lash Enhancements
Cosmetic products and beauty treatments can have a surprisingly large impact on eye health. Ingredients in mascara, eyeliner, lash serums, and adhesives used for extensions can introduce allergens or toxic compounds to the delicate skin of the eyelid. These substances may cause irritation, clog the openings of oil glands, or trigger inflammation.
Lash extensions, in particular, can interfere with normal lid hygiene, trapping bacteria or debris near the base of the lashes. Women who regularly wear heavy eye makeup or use lash growth serums should be especially mindful of lid hygiene. Skipping makeup removal or improperly cleaning between lash appointments can lead to chronic blepharitis or worsening dry eye symptoms.
Treatment tip: We recommend ZEST eyelid cleaning, NuLids Pro treatments, and daily use of hypochlorous lid sprays like Optase Protect to keep lashes and lids clean and healthy.
Ready to Find Relief? 🌿
👉 Book a Dry Eye Consultation → Build a personalized treatment plan to target hormonal and inflammatory causes of dryness.
👉 Book an Ocular Aesthetics Treatment → Explore options like IPL, Upneeq, Latisse, red light therapy, and under-eye rejuvenation to address both comfort and cosmetic concerns.
👉 Book a NuLids Pro Treatment → Deep clean lash lines to remove debris, makeup, and leftover lash glue that contribute to chronic irritation.
👉 Shop Eyelid & Lash Cleansers → Protect your eyes while keeping your beauty routine.
From hormones to beauty routines, dry eye can sneak up on you—but you don’t have to manage it alone. Let’s build a personalized care plan that fits your lifestyle.
Here’s to healthier and clearer eyes,
- Dr. Mandy Rights
