Dry, irritated, burning eyes? If you're a woman, you're not imagining it—dry eye syndrome affects women significantly more than men, especially after age 40. Whether you’re dealing with occasional discomfort or constant dryness that interferes with daily life, knowing why this happens is the first step to lasting relief.
EyeCare About Vegas specializes in diagnosing and treating dry eye with customized care, including advanced in-office treatments like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. Let’s explore why women are more prone to dry eye and how IPL can help treat the root cause.
Why Women Are More Likely to Develop Dry Eye
Several studies have shown that women are nearly twice as likely to develop dry eye syndrome as men, and the reasons are largely hormonal and biological. Here’s why:
Hormonal Changes
Estrogen and androgen levels influence tear production and meibomian gland function. Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause can disrupt the balance of tear production and oil secretion.
Menopause
Postmenopausal women often experience a sharp decline in estrogen and androgens, which can lead to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and reduced tear quality. In fact, dry eye is one of the most common ocular complaints among women over 50.
Use of Birth Control & Hormonal Therapies
Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can also contribute to dry eye symptoms by altering hormone levels and affecting tear stability.
Cosmetic Products & Eyelid Hygiene
Frequent use of eye makeup, lash extensions, or poorly removed cosmetics can clog the meibomian glands and contribute to dryness and irritation. Women who wear makeup regularly may be more prone to gland blockage and inflammation.
The Role of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
At the root of many dry eye cases is meibomian gland dysfunction. These oil-producing glands in the eyelids are essential for maintaining the lipid layer of your tear film. When they’re inflamed or blocked, your tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes exposed and irritated.
MGD can be triggered or worsened by hormonal changes, aging, inflammation, and cosmetic habits—all of which are common in women.
IPL Therapy for Women with Dry Eye
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses gentle pulses of light applied to the skin around the eyes. It’s especially effective for patients with inflammatory dry eye and rosacea, both of which are more prevalent in women.
EyeCare About Vegas offers two IPL platforms: Lumecca I by InMode and Lumenis OptiLight IPL.
The Benefits of IPL Therapy
- Reduces inflammation and abnormal blood vessels around the eyes.
- Unclogs meibomian glands and restores healthy oil flow.
- Improves tear film stability and comfort.
- Minimizes redness and skin irritation from rosacea.
- Supports long-term eye health with minimal discomfort or downtime.
For women experiencing dry eye related to menopause, hormonal shifts, or inflammation, IPL provides a targeted, effective solution that treats the source, not just the symptoms.
IPL Dry Eye Treatments in Las Vegas
Our IPL treatments are performed in-office and typically take 10–15 minutes per session. You may need several treatments spaced several weeks apart, depending on the severity of your dry eye and gland function.
Many women report noticeable improvement after just a few sessions, including:
- Reduced redness and irritation.
- Less dependence on artificial tears.
- Greater comfort with makeup or contact lenses.
- Clearer, brighter-looking eyes.
And because IPL also improves skin tone and texture, it offers a cosmetic boost as well—an added benefit many of our patients love.
Dry Eye Relief for Las Vegas Women
At EyeCare About Vegas, we understand that dry eye looks and feels different for everyone, especially women. Whether your symptoms are linked to hormones, age, cosmetics, or lifestyle, we’ll perform a detailed dry eye evaluation and recommend the treatment that’s best for your needs.
Located at 2055 E Windmill Lane, we’re here to help women throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, and the surrounding communities find lasting comfort.