Two-third of dry eye syndrome sufferers are women and a significant percentage are peri-menopausal or post-menopausal (although many men, including older men, are also subject to dry eye). The symptoms in women relate mostly to hormone levels and lifestyle. Dr. Gipson stresses that women do not get menopausal dry eye syndrome simply "because" they are women. Menopausal dry eye is not inevitable. Women are also more prone to autoimmune diseases, which has some of the same precipitating factors as dry eye. Women also live longer, increasing the risk of age related illness.
Regarding computers, Dr. Ilene Gipson explains that deep concentration can substantially affect the eyes' blink rate. A slowed blink rate can cause dry eye symptoms by increasing natural moisture evaporation from the tear film. Indoor conditions such as household chemicals, insulated walls and windows and forced-air heating and cooling can also cause dry eye symptoms.
Sharon's Evaluation: Dr. Gipson is an exceptional woman with an important mission. I fully support her recommendations of education and proactive eye care through natural lifestyle habits and regular checkups. We both recommend taking care of your whole body because all parts are interconnected. We also should be concerned about the plight of women in some underdeveloped countries who spend hours each day carrying water for their children and families. Often, the water is unsanitary and they are prone to a wide range of dehydration diseases, including dry eye syndrome.