Dry, gritty, watery, or persistently irritated eyes are symptoms that women report more often than men. In fact, research shows that women are about twice as likely to experience dry eye as men.¹ Biological and lifestyle factors help explain this pattern, and hormonal changes alone can significantly affect tear production and quality at multiple points throughout a woman’s life.
Keep reading to learn why women develop dry eye more often, how symptoms can change over time, and what factors may quietly contribute to ongoing irritation.
Why women develop dry eye more often
Healthy tears rely on a delicate balance of water, oils, and mucus. Together, these layers keep the surface of the eye smooth, comfortable, and well-protected.
Several factors increase a woman’s risk of developing dry eye, including:
- Hormonal changes
- Aging
- Autoimmune conditions
- Certain medications
- Contact lens wear
- Increased screen time
While anyone can develop dry eye, many women experience several of these risk factors at the same time.
How hormones affect your tears
Hormones influence many tissues throughout the body, including the glands responsible for producing tears.
Estrogen and androgen levels naturally fluctuate throughout life. These changes can reduce tear production or affect the quality of the oily layer that slows tear evaporation. As a result, tears evaporate more quickly, leaving the surface of the eye dry and irritated.
Many women first notice dry eye symptoms during periods of hormonal change, including:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Perimenopause
- Menopause
Symptoms may come and go at first before becoming more frequent over time.
Health conditions that increase dry eye risk in women
Women also experience higher rates of certain medical conditions that directly contribute to dry eye. These conditions often affect the glands that produce tears or the immune system’s ability to maintain a healthy tear film.
Common contributors include:
- Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis occur more frequently in women and can significantly reduce tear production.
- Thyroid disease: Women are five to eight times more likely than men to develop thyroid problems, and about one in eight women will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime.² Changes in thyroid function can affect tear film stability and eye comfort.
- Rosacea: This inflammatory condition is more common in women and often impacts the eyelids and meibomian (oil) glands.
- Chronic allergies: Women report higher rates of allergic conditions, and ongoing inflammation can disrupt the ocular surface and worsen dryness.
When these conditions occur alongside hormonal changes or environmental triggers, dry eye symptoms often become more noticeable and persistent.
Everyday habits that can worsen dry eye symptoms
Daily routines also play a role in dry eye, and some habits affect women more frequently. These factors may not cause dry eye on their own, but they can worsen existing symptoms.
Common contributors include:
- Eye makeup use: Eyeliner, mascara, and shadow can block oil glands along the eyelid margin
- Makeup removal routines: Harsh cleansers or incomplete removal can irritate the eyelids
Common dry eye symptoms
Dry eye symptoms vary, but many women describe:
- Burning or stinging
- A gritty or sandy sensation
- Watery eyes
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Light sensitivity
- Eye fatigue after reading or screen use
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
Watery eyes often surprise patients, but they frequently signal poor tear quality rather than excess tears.
Aging increases the risk
The likelihood of developing dry eye also increases with age.
As we get older, the glands that produce tears and oils often become less efficient. Tear production naturally declines, and the meibomian glands along the eyelids may not release enough oil to keep tears from evaporating too quickly.
For many women, age-related changes and hormonal changes occur around the same time, increasing the likelihood of ongoing dry eye symptoms.
When dry eye needs more than eye drops
Artificial tears can help manage symptoms, but they don’t always address the underlying cause of dry eye. When symptoms persist, a dry eye specialist can identify whether inflammation, gland dysfunction, hormones, or environmental factors are contributing.
Treatment may include:
- Prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation and improve tear quality
- Warm compress therapy and eyelid hygiene to support oil gland function
- Nutritional support, such as omega-3s
- Lifestyle adjustments to reduce triggers like screen strain and dry environments
- In-office dry eye treatments, including advanced options such as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, Zocular eyelid system treatment (ZEST), and TearCare, which target inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction more directly
These treatments allow care to move beyond temporary symptom relief and focus on improving the underlying tear film imbalance.
Find relief from dry eye
Dry eye affects many aspects of daily life, from reading and driving to spending time outdoors. Women face a higher risk due to hormonal changes, underlying health conditions, and everyday habits that can strain the tear film.
At Coastal Family Eyecare, our experienced eye doctor in Orange Beach provides comprehensive eye exams to identify contributing factors and create personalized treatment plans. Schedule an appointment to take the next step toward clearer, more comfortable vision.
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