Dry Eyes in Aging, Menopause, and Hyaluronic Acid: Moisturizing from the Inside Out
Dry eye syndrome (DES) or dry eye disease (DED) is a common disorder that often becomes more noticeable with aging, menopause, or autoimmune conditions. It can be related to age, gender, diet, environment, disease, surgery, or medications the patient is taking.
Other Causes of Dry Eyes
Medications such as antidepressants, diuretics, and drugs used for Parkinson's disease and rheumatoid arthritis can worsen dry eyes. Patients with autoimmune disease may also experience dry eye issues due to inflammatory conditions.
Dry Eyes in Women
One of the main causes of dry eyes in women is hormonal changes due to perimenopause and menopause. According to the Optometrists Network, over 60% of women in this stage of life are affected. There are estrogen and testosterone receptors on both the cornea and on the meibomian glands — which line the edge of the eyelids and secrete the oil that coats the eyes and tear film, preventing tears from evaporating too quickly. The risk of developing dysfunction in these glands increases with age, especially in those over 40 and those who wear eye makeup.
Hormone replacement could be considered for women; some patients who used topical testosterone reported improvement in pain or eye soreness associated with dry eyes.
Patients who begin experiencing symptoms may first try over-the-counter drops such as artificial tears or lubricants, but results are often inadequate. The dryness may be irritating but not yet severe enough to prompt a visit to the doctor for prescription medications.
Role of Hyaluronic Acid in Dry Eyes
Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the skin, eyes, and joints. Its primary role is to retain water inside tissues, maintaining moisture in the eyes and keeping joints lubricated. Because of its safety profile and water-retention properties, it has many applications in ophthalmology — including intravitreal injections, dry eye treatment, and contact lenses. Learn more →
The vitreous is a colorless fluid between the lens and the retina that protects the eye and helps it hold its spherical shape. Over time, the vitreous humour shrinks and liquifies, similar to how a bowl of gelatin may liquify over time.
The Origins of Hyaluronic Acid
The discovery of hyaluronic acid originated from research exploring eye structure. The viscous, gel-like vitreous humor was found to contain a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, which cushions the eye and helps transport nutrients. The first medical application of hyaluronic acid in humans was as a vitreous replacement during eye surgery.
Because of its lubrication and water-retention properties, hyaluronic acid is used in many eye drop preparations. In multiple clinical case studies, ophthalmology patients with dry eyes who were given oral hyaluronic acid supplements reported improvements in moisture. Clinicians noticed increases in tear break-up time (TBUT), decreases in corneal staining, and a reduction in pain — all common markers of dry eye improvement.
Oral Hyaluronic Acid Supplementation for Dry Eye Disease: A Pilot Study →
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Hyaluronic Acid Today
Hyaluronic acid has been used in various forms to help improve symptoms of dry eye disease, visual function, and post-surgical recovery. It naturally occurs in the body in connective tissue, synovial fluid, and the aqueous humor and vitreous of the eye. Three primary characteristics make it especially useful in ophthalmology:
- Absorbs and holds 1,000× its weight in water — retaining moisture and preventing dryness wherever it is present.
- Stabilizes tear film — helping maintain the protective layer over the surface of the eye.
- Aids in wound healing — supporting epithelial cell proliferation, migration, and healing. Studies show HA's ability to increase healing of corneal abrasions.
Hyalife® Capsules
Hyalife2® features a patented form of easily absorbed, low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid formulated to promote moisture retention in the extracellular tissues where hyaluronic acid naturally occurs — particularly in the skin, joints, and eyes.
Typical hyaluronic acid is a large molecule, making absorption when taken orally difficult. Hyalife® uses hyaluronic acid naturally derived from rooster combs and processed with enzymes through a patented method, yielding a smaller compound with enhanced absorption.
Order Hyalife® for Pickup or Delivery →
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