The Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said: “change is the only constant in life”. Whether it’s your body, your career, or even your vision, change is something that comes for all of us sooner or later. For women, one of the most significant periods of change typically occurs in their late forties or fifties, when menopause arrives. This natural hormonal transition brings with it a wide range of symptoms that can cause unexpected physical and mental changes.
Let’s explore some of the experiences women commonly share during menopause and how these can potentially affect their lifestyle and vision.
What is menopause and perimenopause?
Before we look at the effects of menopause on the eyes, it’s worth understanding what it actually involves. Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. This biological stage occurs when a woman has not had a period for one year. This transition, which differs from woman to woman, is typically accompanied by changes in hormone levels and usually happens around the age of 50.
The phase leading up to this is called perimenopause, during which menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, chills and mood changes can occur. The duration of perimenopause varies greatly and can last up to eight years, though the average is typically between three and four years.
Does menopause affect your vision?
For many women, it can — to some degree. Since menopause has an impact on so many of the body’s systems, it’s not unusual for the eyes to react to the change in hormone levels too. While everyone’s experience is unique, and some women notice no visual changes at all, many do experience eye problems during perimenopause or menopause.
Common eye conditions linked to menopause
Dry eyes
As we get older, natural tear production decreases, and this can be further compounded by falling levels of oestrogen and androgen. This hormonal decline can lead to dry or irritated eyes due to reduced lubrication in the tear film. Moisturising eye drops are the simplest and most accessible treatment for managing dry eye symptoms linked to menopause.
Changes in eye shape
As mentioned, ‘change’ is the key word when it comes to menopause — and even if it sounds unusual, the shape of your eyes can be affected too. Small changes in the elasticity and thickness of the cornea can occur, which may affect how well your contact lenses sit on the surface of your eye. If you notice that wearing lenses has become slightly uncomfortable, or that your vision seems a little blurry, book an appointment with an eye care professional for advice.
Light sensitivity
Also known as photophobia, this symptom often coincides with the increased prevalence of dry eyes during perimenopause and menopause. Because the eyes are drier, they can become more susceptible to bright lights, which may cause you to squint more than usual and, in more severe cases, trigger headaches.
Cataracts
Some studies have shown that women going through menopause develop cataracts at a higher rate than men of the same age. While cataract formation is more commonly associated with age and general health (with higher risk for those who smoke or have diabetes), the disproportionate number of women developing cataracts may be linked to declining oestrogen levels. Signs and symptoms of cataracts include cloudy vision, washed-out colours, difficulty seeing at night, and glare. Cataract surgery is typically the most recommended treatment.
Glaucoma
Pressure on the optic nerve is the primary cause of glaucoma, and hormonal changes associated with menopause can lead to increased intraocular pressure. Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma, but when caught early, steps can be taken to reduce potential vision loss and nerve damage. The best way to detect early-stage glaucoma is through regular eye examinations — ideally an annual eye test.
Blepharitis
The same hormonal fluctuations that cause dry eyes can also lead to dry skin, and when this affects the area around the eyes, the resulting inflammation is known as blepharitis. Swollen, itchy eyelids and flaky skin around the eye are the most obvious signs. Fortunately, it’s an eye condition that can often be managed effectively with warm compresses and good eyelid hygiene to keep the lids clean and free from debris.
How to look after your eyes during menopause
Given the range of conditions your eyes are susceptible to during perimenopause and menopause, the single most important step you can take is to protect your vision with regular eye examinations. Many long-term eye problems and vision loss are preventable when caught early. Since many symptoms are undetectable in the initial stages of a condition for most people, the guidance of an experienced eye care professional can be crucial in accessing treatment when it’s needed.
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