Most Women Don’t Recognize Dry Eye as a Symptom of Perimenopause and Menopause, New Survey Finds
Thursday, September 3 2026 | 08 h 40 min | News
A new survey released by Bausch + Lomb reveals that dry eye disease remains one of the least recognized symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause. According to the press release, “only 14% of peri-, menopausal and post-menopausal women recognize dry eye as a menopause-related symptom,” compared with 79% who identify hot flashes.
The findings underscore a significant gap in awareness: 78% of women were surprised to learn that dry eye can be linked to perimenopause or menopause. This lack of recognition may delay care and contribute to worsening symptoms.
Dry eye symptoms affect daily activities
Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can influence tear production, tear quality and tear evaporation, leading to symptoms such as burning, irritation, fluctuating vision and discomfort. Among women who experience dry eye during these stages, 80% said the symptom came as a surprise.
The survey also highlights the impact on daily life. Women experiencing dry eye during perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause reported:
- 58% difficulty reading
- 53% difficulty using screens
- 26% difficulty driving
- 17% reduced productivity
These findings illustrate how dry eye can interfere with routine activities and overall quality of life.
Women report challenges navigating menopause
Beyond dry eye, many women expressed difficulty managing menopause-related symptoms. More than 43% said the process feels overwhelming, and over 40% reported not knowing where to begin when seeking support or treatment.
Mayssa Attar, Ph.D., senior vice president of Consumer and Pharmaceutical R&D at Bausch + Lomb, notes: “Dry eye symptoms can have a meaningful impact on everyday activities and quality of life, yet they are often not associated with perimenopause and menopause.” She emphasizes the importance of encouraging women to speak with eye care professionals when symptoms arise.
Dr. Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, IFMCP, adds that these findings are a reminder that eye health should be part of the menopause conversation, and that early recognition can help women explore management options that improve comfort and daily functioning.
Supporting women’s eye health
Bausch + Lomb offers a broad portfolio of solutions for dry eye management, including nutritional supplements, over-the-counter drops, prescription treatments and diagnostic technologies. The company states it remains committed to advancing education and awareness to help women better understand and manage dry eye symptoms during perimenopause and menopause.
For more information on dry eye symptoms, risk factors and available treatment options, visit KnowYourDryEye.com.
Source : Bausch + Lomb
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