World Menopause Day takes place on Friday 18th October to raise awareness of menopause and its symptoms. Did you know that hormonal changes brought on by menopause can affect the health of your eyes, causing discomfort and irritability?
Menopause and perimenopause affect millions of women in the UK. The average age to go through it is 51, an age when your eyes start to deteriorate at a higher rate. Knowing the impact that menopause can have on your eyes can help you get on top of your symptoms earlier. Stay informed with our short guide on eye health and menopause.
How menopause can impact your eyes
1. If your hormones are out of balance with those in your eye receptors
The sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone and progesterone) are present in your eye receptors. Eye health can deteriorate if these hormone levels don’t match those in your body.
2. Experiencing a drop in your hormone levels
This can affect the eye’s oil glands, leading to dry eyes.
3. Thyroid issues
Thyroid issues can be more common in women going through the menopause. The thyroid hormone Thyroxine (T4) can increase the risk of common eye diseases.
Eye conditions linked to menopause
Dry eyes
Dry eyes can feel itchy, gritty and irritable. They may appear watery or red and be more sensitive to light.
Blepharoptosis
A condition that inflames the edges of the eyelids, causing redness, swelling and a burning sensation.
Blurry vision
A shift in hormones can change the shape of the cornea, leading to refractive issues such as near-sightedness or farsightedness.
Increased risk of eye diseases
Hormonal fluctuation can increase the risk of age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma.
What can help?
Regular eye health checks
Any changes to your vision or the comfort of your eyes should be checked by an optometrist.
Eyedrops
Treating dry eye can often be as simple as creating better eye health habits (such as regular screen breaks) or using eye drops.
Take Action for Your Eye Health
World Menopause Day is a fantastic reminder to take care of your eyes. If you’ve noticed any changes in your vision or if you’re due for an eye exam, don’t wait.
Book an appointment with us today to ensure your eyes are in good hands.
Click HERE to book your next eye exam.
A conversation with Sophie Cartelege from Hormones on the Blink
Optomeyes Eyecare Deluxe Members gain exclusive access to webinars about eye health, including recordings. Listen to a conversation with Sophie Cartelege from Hormones on the Blink about menopause and eye health by becoming a Deluxe Member today.
Click HERE to become an Optomeyes Eyecare Deluxe Member.
