While most information for women regarding what to expect with menopause focuses on hot flashes and mood swings, one area that needs to be highlighted is the effect of menopause on the eyes.
The huge decrease in estrogen levels in the body during menopause affects different tissues in the body and that includes the eyes. Perhaps the most common side effect of menopause is dry eyes. Tear duct health and tear production is affected by the level of estrogen and the reduced estrogen of menopause can translate into fewer tears and more dry and irritated eyes. The corneas in menopausal women can also become more sensitive. This sensitivity makes the eyes more inclined to be affected by irritants and allergens similar to dealing with dry eyes.
The risk of developing glaucoma or cataracts as well as age-related macular degeneration also rises with menopausal women. Vision changes are also commonly reported during menopause with many women noting difficulty in focusing on near objects and this can also be due to the fluctuation of hormones.
Women experiencing menopause can be proactive to help address any issues with their eyes and eye health. Using artificial tears to keep the eyes moist along with wearing sunglasses are recommended as well as having regular eye exams to be able to diagnose any eye conditions as early as possible.
