I started feeling very tired and was losing the fight to stay alert, awake and focused.
It was strange as I was not physically tired but always sleepy!
I had to fight to keep awake when:
driving
in a meeting
or doing work on my laptop
and could even fall asleep while standing up!
It was frustrating because it obviously severely limited what I could accomplish in a day.
Staying up late was counterproductive, as I got comparatively little done and invariably would be tired the next morning.
I could not get to the bottom as to why this was happening.
My blood tests were normal
I ate reasonably well
I also slept well
I did not want to rely on drinking coffee to stay alert, and I would only drink it if I were desperate to meet a deadline.
So, I just put it down to ageing.
DRY EYE WAS THE CAUSE OF MY FATIGUE
However, I noticed that my eyes started to feel drier. I enquired online with the doctor, who referred me to an optician.
The optician confirmed it was dry eyes; the probable cause was my computer usage, as we tend not to blink as often when using it.
I just thought I would ask him if dry eyes can make you feel tired to see what he said, and to my surprise, he said yes.
I then asked if menopause can affect my eyes, and he said it makes them dry!
Wow!
I discovered in minutes the cause of the problem I had been having for months and learnt there was a connection between menopause, tiredness, and dry eyes!
Using eyedrops and the prescribed night eye ointment has made me far more awake, alert, and focused.
Approximately 61 per cent of perimenopausal and menopausal women are affected by dry eyes, according to https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry
How does menopause cause dry eye?
It happens as a result of reductions in the hormones of estrogen and androgen, so
tear production is reduced
the film that protects the eye becomes thinner
Tear quality deteriorates
oil production under eyelids that stops tears from drying out can get clogged, leading to quicker evaporation of tears
Resulting in
Dry, irritated eyes
But why does it cause you to be so tired
Why does dry eyes lead to feelings of tiredness?
Visual Strain:Dry eyes can lead to blurred vision and difficulty focusing
Especially during activities that require prolonged visual attention, such as reading or using a computer. This constant effort to see clearly can cause strain and eye fatigue.
Discomfort and Irritation:
The constant discomfort, burning, and irritation associated with dry eyes can make it challenging to keep them open and focused. It can lead to general tiredness and the need to rest the eyes more frequently.
Blinking and Tear Film:
People with dry eyes tend to blink more frequently to moisten their eyes, which can contribute to eye fatigue.
Additionally, the instability of the tear film that protects your eyes can cause the eyes to feel more fatigued as they struggle to maintain proper moisture.
So, if your eyes are
Red
Gritty
Sleepy
Watery
Irritated
Blurred vision
burning sensation
Sensitivity to light
See your GP; they can arrange a free referral for an eye check. Book an eye test as they can not only confirm dry eyes but use that opportunity to ask questions and detect any other health conditions that can be revealed through your eyes.
Dry eyes due to perimenopause were the cause of my fatigue.
How to reduce dry eyes
There are lifestyle measures to deter dry eyes, including:
Frequent Breaks During Computer Usage: working for long periods in front of a screen stops you from blinking, so take short breaks and close your eyes for 5-10 to 20 seconds
Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds) can help reduce visual strain.
Lower your computer screen: If your eyelids are lower and your eyes are less open during prolonged computer use, you can reduce the surface area from which the tears evaporate.
Proper Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can support tear production.
Environmental Controls: Fans or air vents. Using a humidifier and avoiding dry, windy conditions can help maintain eye moisture.
Remove drafts: Avoid using a ceiling fan while you sleep, and turn air vents away from your face.
Wear wraparound sunglasses
Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief.
Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses can help open blocked glands.
Environmental Adjustments: Using humidifiers and avoiding dry, windy environments can reduce symptoms.
See a Doctor/optician Your GP can arrange a free referral for an eye check; they can not only confirm dry eyes but use that opportunity to detect any other health conditions.
Conclusion
There is a link between menopause and dry eyes, so please check your eyes if you are in the perimenopause transition or have reached menopause.
The associated discomfort and visual disturbances can lead to significant fatigue and tiredness.
Addressing dry eye symptoms will improve your quality of life and work productivity.
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