Dry Eye Treatment for Norfolk Women

Studies show women are nearly twice as likely to develop dry eye disease as men, and hormones, autoimmune conditions, and lifestyle demands all play a role. At Envision Ghent Optometry, we provide personalized dry eye treatment that’s tailored to the needs of women at every stage of life. Whether you’re dealing with fluctuating hormones or screen-related eye fatigue, we’re here to help.

Why Women Experience Dry Eye More Often

It’s not just about aging, hormones, health conditions, and lifestyle all play a role in why women are disproportionately affected by dry eye disease. In fact, research shows that women are nearly twice as likely to develop chronic dry eye compared to men.

Common triggers include:

• Hormonal fluctuations (especially estrogen changes)
• Autoimmune disorders (like thyroid disease, Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus)
• Pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause
• Oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Cosmetic use (especially lash extensions and waterproof makeup)
• Higher rates of contact lens wear

Dry eye can affect anyone, but for women, it’s often a combination of factors that deserve a deeper level of care.

Hormones & Eye Health: What’s the Connection?

Estrogen and androgens play a key role in tear film stability and meibomian gland function. When these hormones fluctuate, like during pregnancy or menopause, it can cause your tear film to thin out or evaporate too quickly. That leads to burning, stinging, redness, and blurry vision that can get worse as the day goes on. You may notice symptoms worsening:

• During your menstrual cycle
• With pregnancy or postpartum hormone changes
• Around perimenopause or menopause
• While taking birth control or hormone therapy

If your symptoms seem to come and go with your cycle or life stage, we’re here to help you connect the dots.

Autoimmune Conditions & Medications

Autoimmune conditions are more common in women, and they often go hand-in-hand with dry eye. Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disease can affect tear production and the health of your oil glands.

Additionally, many commonly prescribed medications for these conditions (including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure meds) can reduce tear volume or alter the quality of your tear film.

Cosmetics, Contacts & Screen Time

Makeup and skincare products can easily clog eyelid glands, disrupt your tear film, and introduce bacteria. And while contact lenses are a favorite for convenience and aesthetics, they also increase tear evaporation and reduce oxygen flow to the eye.

Let’s not forget: many women juggle demanding screen-heavy jobs and family life. Between work emails, online classes, and late-night scrolling, it’s no surprise your eyes feel fatigued, dry, and irritated.

We’ll help you identify what daily habits may be contributing to your symptoms and offer solutions that actually work for your lifestyle.

Dry Eye Diagnosis & Treatment at Envision Ghent Optometry

At our dry eye clinic, your dry eye evaluation includes:

• A detailed health and hormonal history
• Tear film analysis
• Meibomian gland imaging (if needed)
• Lid margin assessment and ocular surface exam

Depending on your needs, your treatment plan may include:

• Prescription drops to increase tear production or reduce inflammation
• Lumenis® IPL or LipiFlow® thermal therapy for oil gland dysfunction
• Demodex or blepharitis treatments (if lid inflammation is present)
• Lifestyle modifications to support eye comfort during screen time, makeup use, or contact lens wear
• Medical-grade lid hygiene products

You’ll never get a generic “just use artificial tears” answer from us; we create a plan that fits your real life.

A Woman-Led Practice That Understands

As a female optometrist, Dr. Cassis has a unique understanding of how hormonal changes, health history, and life-stage stressors affect your eyes. Her warm, patient-focused approach means you’ll feel seen, heard, and cared for every step of the way.

Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?

You don’t have to live with red, irritated eyes or blurry vision that gets worse throughout the day. At Envision Ghent Optometry, we help women of all ages find real, lasting relief from dry eye symptoms with care that’s personalized, supportive, and rooted in experience.