New research from Bausch + Lomb has found that dry eye disease remains one of the least recognised conditions affecting women during and after menopause.
The survey highlights a significant gap in awareness around the physical symptoms that perimenopausal and postmenopausal women experience beyond the more commonly discussed signs of menopause.
Dry eye disease, a condition that causes discomfort, irritation, and visual disturbance, is frequently overlooked as a menopause-related symptom despite its prevalence among women in this life stage.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause and postmenopause are known to affect many parts of the body, including the eyes, yet this connection remains poorly understood by a large portion of the population.
The findings from Bausch + Lomb suggest that women themselves may not associate dry eye symptoms with their menopausal transition, potentially delaying diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Healthcare professionals have long noted that ocular health is underrepresented in conversations about menopause, and this latest survey appears to confirm that the knowledge gap remains substantial.
Dry eye disease can significantly impact quality of life, affecting everything from screen use and reading to driving and general daily comfort, making early recognition especially important.
Bausch + Lomb, a well-established name in eye health products and treatments, conducted the survey as part of broader efforts to raise awareness of conditions that disproportionately affect women in midlife.
The research adds to a growing body of evidence calling for more comprehensive menopause education that includes ocular symptoms alongside better-known issues such as hot flushes, sleep disruption, and mood changes.
Women approaching or going through menopause are being encouraged to speak with their doctors about eye health as a routine part of managing their overall wellbeing during this period.
Greater awareness among both patients and clinicians could lead to faster diagnosis, more effective management, and an improved quality of life for the many women affected by dry eye disease during the menopausal transition.