dry Eye Epidemic: Makeup & Menopause Linked to Rising Cases – Experts Reveal Solutions
London, UK – A surge in dry eye cases is being linked to everyday habits like makeup submission and the physiological changes of menopause, according to leading eye care professionals. Millions suffer from the painful condition, but experts say relief doesn’t necessarily require drugs or surgery.
Dry eyes occur when the tear glands don’t produce enough lubrication, or the tears themselves are of poor quality.Optometrist Nicola Alexander-Cross explains that years of makeup use can contribute to the problem. “For women, years of putting on and taking off make-up can ofen block up the tear gland, leading to dry eyes,” she said.
The issue can be exacerbated by menopause, which studies show impacts tear gland function, leading to faster tear evaporation and reduced lubrication. “Women who have been lining their waterline for years, and than applying mascara and powder eyeshadow, can really have clogged those glands,” Alexander-Cross explained. She also cautioned that many makeup removers contain irritating preservatives or waxes that worsen buildup.
To combat this, Alexander-Cross recommends switching to eye doctor-approved makeup wipes or micellar waters and avoiding eyeliner on the waterline. “Use eyeliner above the lashes instead, and go for tubing mascara and cream-based eyeshadows rather than products that can flake off into the eye,” she advised.
Beyond makeup modifications, experts suggest utilizing heated eye masks or pads, like the Peep Club Heated Eye Wand (£60, peepclub.com), to unclog glands and stimulate oil flow. “That bit of heat can unclog the glands and let the oil flow again,” Alexander-Cross said, adding that eye masks also encourage complete eyelid closure during sleep – something many people don’t achieve naturally.
For more advanced cases – characterized by extreme light sensitivity, excessive watering, and irritation – ophthalmologist Mr. Hamada suggests considering intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. This treatment uses targeted light pulses to melt thickened oil obstructing tear glands and reduce inflammation by closing abnormal blood vessels around the eyes.
however, both experts emphasize preventative measures are key. “If you’re still in your 20s or 30s, it’s really the time now to set a really good routine,” Alexander-Cross stated. “Go through your makeup bag, start taking the right supplements, and get used to doing regular blinking exercises.”
Mr. Hamada echoes this sentiment, urging a shift in mindset. “Don’t wait for dry eye disease to hit hard – develop good habits early. It’s a mindset that we need to change.”
