Can Menopause affect your eyes and vision?

Today is World Menopause Day

After much silence on the topic, the "Change" has gone mainstream and we are learning so much more about this condition and its effect on women.  Three quarter of women going through menopause will experience symptoms. And for 1/4 of those women, theses conditions will be severe and affecting their day to day life.

Many women may not realise that changes to hormone levels can be associated with eye health conditions.

Dry eyes is main issue we see in peri menopausal and menopausal patients. A personalised treatment and management program is very helpful to the ways the eyes look, see and feel.

What you may not realise is there are other eye conditions associated with loss of hormones.  For those with early menopause (<45), the drop in oestrogen has been associated with increased risk of open angle glaucoma.  Oestrogen helps to keep the lens in the eye clear and hydrated.  With reduced levels of oestrogen, the lens become less clear and less hydrated leading to cataracts.

If you are going through menopause or peri menopause, make sure to get routine eye exams done and speak to your optometrist about any symptoms of eye irritation or vision loss you may be having.

Speak to your GP if you have any symptoms of peri menopause or menopause.  

No need to suffer in silence.  Help is there.  

For more information visit The British Menopause Society.

If you need an eye exam, give us a ring on 01635 528844 or email hello@drvalariejerome.com.