As it is Women’s Eye Health Month, I would like to address this issue for all of us. I’ve worn glasses or contact lenses since I was 6 – a long time. It’s incredible how we can adjust and make changes in our lives. My eye health is one that I continue to learn. How about you?
As I have aged, hot flashes and mood changes, pain in my joints have received much attention in menopause discussions, vision changes often go unmentioned—yet they affect millions of women during this transition.
How Hormonal Changes Impact Your Eyes
Estrogen and progesterone not only affect reproductive health but also play crucial roles in maintaining eye lubrication, intraocular pressure, and even corneal shape. As these hormones fluctuate during perimenopause and menopause, many women experience:
- Chronic dry eye syndrome (2- 3x more common post-menopause)
- Increased intraocular pressure, raising glaucoma risk
- Changes in corneal curvature affecting vision prescription
- Increased cataract development
- Macular degeneration risk acceleration
Dr. Sarah Chen, ophthalmologist at Women’s Vision Institute, explains: “Many women dismiss these changes as ‘just aging,’ but they’re specifically related to hormonal shifts and require tailored management approaches.”
Beyond Discomfort: Long-Term Implications
Untreated menopausal eye changes can have serious consequences. Chronic dry eye not only leads to discomfort but also increases the risk of infection and potential corneal damage. Rising intraocular pressure, if unmonitored, can cause irreversible vision loss from glaucoma.
Management Strategies That Work
Practical approaches combine lifestyle modifications with medical interventions:
- Optimize environment: Use humidifiers in dry spaces; position computer screens below eye level to reduce exposure.
- Nutrition focus: Increase omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants through diet or supplements.
- Specialized eye drops, such as prescription options like cyclosporine or lifitegrast, target the underlying inflammation associated with menopausal dry eye.
- Punctal plugs: These tiny silicone devices preserve natural tears on the eye surface.
- Hormone considerations: Discuss with your healthcare provider how hormone therapy might affect your vision health.
When to Seek Specialized Care
Any of these symptoms warrants prompt attention:
- Persistent dryness, grittiness, or burning
- Increased light sensitivity
- Blurred vision that fluctuates throughout the day
- New floaters or flashes of light
- Difficulty with night driving
The Path Forward
Join my current email series on Women’s Eye Health to learn more and take the next step that is right for you.
Women’s eye health specialist Dr. Michelle Lee advocates for a proactive approach: “I recommend women schedule a baseline comprehensive eye exam at the onset of perimenopause, then yearly follow-ups. Early intervention prevents most serious complications.”
The conversation around menopause must expand beyond reproductive health to include vision care. By understanding these connections, women can protect their sight during this significant life transition.
Nancy Webb Todd
