While common symptoms of menopause, like hot flushes and insomnia, are widely understood, a campaign led by Vision Express revealed that over 80% of women are unaware of the connection between eye health and menopause.
However, hormone changes during menopause can affect everything from eye shape to irritation and eye disease risk. But, because eyesight naturally deteriorates with age, it can be difficult to differentiate between menopause symptoms and age-related eye problems.
With this in mind, we’ll explore the link between eye health and menopause.
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If you’d like to read more about various eye conditions and book an eye test, you can also do so on the Boots Opticians website.
What’s the link between eye health and menopause?
During menopause, the ovaries produce lower levels of hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, and androgen, which can affect everything from sleep quality to mood, memory, and sex drive. Menopause can also affect the health of our eyes, as these hormones play a role in eye lubrication, elasticity, light sensitivity, and even eye shape.
While some women may not notice many – or any – changes, for others, menopausal eye symptoms can significantly impact quality of life. For example, studies suggest that around 60% of menopausal women experience symptoms like dry, itchy eyes.
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5 eye problems linked with menopause
Some of the most common associated eye problems include…
1. Dry eye syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common menopause-related symptoms. It occurs when tear production is compromised, causing symptoms like gritty or itchy eyes, temporary blurred vision (that improves when you blink), and light sensitivity.
Dry eye syndrome can affect anyone, but it mostly affects menopausal women.
This is because the hormones oestrogen and androgen play a key role in producing and draining tears, which are needed to lubricate eyes, protect against infection, and stabilise vision. Oestrogen also helps maintain the health of nerves behind the clear outer layer at the front of the eye (the cornea). As a result, declining levels can lead to dry eyes, irritation, and inflammation.
Factors like smoking, wearing contact lenses, looking at electronic screens for long periods, and areas with dry air (for example, strong air conditioning) can exacerbate dry eye syndrome. For this reason, the NHS advises taking steps such as avoiding screen fatigue, using a humidifier to prevent dry air, and choosing glasses instead of contact lenses where possible.
Over-the-counter treatments, such as lubricating eye drops, can also help to relieve symptoms. For further information about treatments, it’s worth speaking to a pharmacist, who can advise you on whether you should see an optician. You can search for your local pharmacy on the NHS website.
2. Changes in eye shape
While often not noticeable, research has found that your eyes can change shape during menopause as fluctuating hormone levels can affect eye pressure.
Changes in eye shape can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable, impact your ability to focus, cause your eyes to become tired more easily, and increase the need for corrective lenses when reading. So, if you’ve noticed your contact lenses irritating your eyes recently, this could be due to menopause.
Studies have also found that the cornea’s curvature can steepen slightly and change the type of prescription you need.
3. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve (responsible for connecting the eyes to the brain) becomes damaged. This can cause a progressive loss of peripheral vision, as well as other symptoms like blurred vision and seeing rainbow-coloured circles in bright lights – though symptoms can sometimes take years to appear.
Glaucoma is most common among people in their 70s and 80s, but research has also drawn a link between the condition and menopause. Fluctuating hormone levels can affect eye pressure, particularly intraocular pressure (IOP), which is considered a leading cause of glaucoma.
Studies also suggest that a loss of oestrogen caused by early menopause (typically between the ages of 40 and 45) can increase the risk of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG). An NHS study found that POAG risk is lower in women who enter menopause after the age of 54.
Treatment options will depend on the type of glaucoma you have, but can include eye drops, laser treatment, and surgery.
If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to vision loss, so it’s important to book an eye test or speak to your GP if you have any concerns. People aged 40+ with a close relative with glaucoma are entitled to a free NHS eye examination every year to catch any changes as soon as possible.
Have a read of our article, How to spot glaucoma and prevent vision loss, for more information.
4. Eye irritation and inflammation
Research has found that menopause can trigger blepharitis, a condition that causes the eyelids to become itchy and swollen. This is because when levels of the hormone androgen decrease, it can impact the function of eyelid glands and cause them to become irritated and inflamed.
Symptoms of blepharitis include red eyes, light sensitivity, a burning sensation, a gritty feeling in the eyes, and eyelids sticking together in the morning when you first wake up.
A pharmacist can suggest ways to help keep your eyelids clean, including eye drops, eye pads, and wipes. However, if your symptoms don’t improve after a few weeks, it’s important to see your GP.
Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60**, 2nd pairs half price^ & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
5. Cataracts
Cataracts is a condition that causes clouding of the lens of the eye. People with cataracts may have trouble reading, driving, seeing in lower lights, and perceiving colours, as well as experiencing problems with glare.
While a direct link between cataract development and menopause is yet to be made, we do know from research that the condition is more common in postmenopausal women than men of the same age.
Some studies have suggested that menopausal hormone changes may play a role in the formation and progression of cataracts. One reason for this is that oestrogen is responsible for helping eye lenses stay clear and hydrated, so reduced levels may increase the risk of them becoming cloudy. However, further research is needed to confirm any findings.
If you’re worried about cataracts, it’s important to book an eye test. If your optician suspects you may have cataracts, they’ll refer you to an eye specialist for further tests and treatment.
How can I take care of my eye health during menopause?
Because menopause can increase your risk of several eye conditions, it’s important to do what you can to take care of your eye health. We’ll cover some of the main things to consider below.
Have regular eye tests
One of the most important steps in protecting your vision is to get your eyes tested regularly. Research estimates that more than 75% of cases of vision loss are preventable if caught early. And because many eye conditions show no symptoms in the early stages, having regular eye tests can help to identify them as soon as possible.
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If you’d like to read more about various eye conditions and book an eye test, you can also do so on the Boots Opticians website.
Eat for eye health
Our diet also plays a key role in how well our bodies function – and that includes our eyes. Staying hydrated and eating a diet rich in healthy fats such as omega-3s and beneficial nutrients like vitamin A, C, E, zinc, and fibre is a great place to start.
Carotenoids (fat-soluble pigments), like lutein and zeaxanthin, have also been shown to have eye-protecting properties. Eggs, dark leafy greens, and yellow-fleshed fruits like mangoes and apricots are good sources of carotenoids. Check out our article, 10 most important nutrients for eye health, for more advice.
Take steps to quit smoking
On the other hand, unhealthy lifestyle factors like smoking have been found to harm eye health. In fact, it has been identified as a risk factor for various eye issues, including cataracts, glaucoma, and tear film dysfunction.
If you’d like some support for quitting smoking, have a read of our tips.
Additional ways to protect your eyes
Other protective measures, like wearing good-quality sunglasses, taking regular screen breaks to rest your eyes, and investing in products like eyelid wipes or a humidifier if you suffer from conditions like blepharitis or dry eye syndrome, can also be useful.
For more in-depth information on how to care for your eyes during menopause, you might like to check out our articles: 9 ways to keep your eyes healthy and 10 age-related eye problems you should know about.
Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60**, 2nd pairs half price^ & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
Final thoughts…
While menopause-related eye problems can cause discomfort and frustration, the good news is there are steps you can take to help improve symptoms and protect your long-term eye health.
For further reading, head over to our menopause section. Here, you’ll find information on everything from menopause in the workplace to ways to sleep better.
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If you’d like to read more about various eye conditions and book an eye test, you can also do so on the Boots Opticians website.
Have you experienced any eye problems during menopause? What steps have you taken to help manage your symptoms? We’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below.
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Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60**, 2nd pairs half price^ & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
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