Answer:
Dry
eye syndrome is characterized by consistent dry, burning or irritated eyes;
blurred vision or light sensitivity may also occur. Although dry eye syndrome sounds benign, it can cause
potentially serious eye problems if the eye’s natural lubricating mechanism
breaks down. At the extreme,
chronic dry eyes can damage the surface of the eye and lead to cornea
infections and visual impairment.
A
study published in November in the Journal of the American Medical Association
showed a relationship between hormone replacement therapy and dry eye
syndrome. The study suggested that
women who use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are at an increased risk of developing
dry eye syndrome over women who do not use HRT.
This
four-year study was conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and
researchers looked at data from over 25,000 post-menopausal women. The study suggests that of the 38% of
post-menopausal women who use HRT, those taking estrogen alone had 66% to 70%
higher risk of developing dry eye syndrome than women who had never used
HRT. Women on a combination of
estrogen and progestin had a 30% higher risk of developing dry eye syndrome
than women who had never used HRT.
Since
the relationship between HRT and dry eye syndrome is not well understood,
additional research is still needed.
However, this study does suggest that women who are considering HRT
should be informed of the possibility of developing dry eye syndrome while on
this treatment regimen. Even
without HRT, women have more problems than men with dry eyes, these problems
become more common as we age, and certain diseases and medications can make
these symptoms worse.
Consequently, if you suspect you suffer from dry eye syndrome, you
should make an appointment with your eye doctor.
Kathryn
E. Hodges, MD
Midwest
Eye Care, P.C.
4353
Dodge Street
Omaha,
NE 68131
402-552-2020
www.midwesteyecare.com