Menopause is a powerful landmark in a woman’s life, marking the end of reproductive years. Attached with it come a number of changes, but one of the most subtle yet important aspects has to do with its implications surrounding the health of the eyes. As we take note of National Menopause Month, it would be important to take cognizance of the linkage of menopause with the health of one’s eyes, as women seek ways to protect their vision through this pivotal point in life.
Hormonal Changes and Eye Health
Menopause means the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body are greatly reduced. Such hormones support different functions in the body, including those that keep your eyes healthy. A decrease in estrogen contributes to a number of eye problems.
1. Dry Eyes: Probably the most common complaint amongst menopausal women pertains to dry eyes. Estrogen facilitates tear film, which acts to keep the eyes well-lubricated. Lower levels of estrogen may mean reduced tear production; thus, women can experience dry, itchy, and irritated eyes. “Dry eye syndrome” is this condition’s medical term, which can be quite a nuisance and even impact one’s daily activities with regards to reading or working at the computer.
2. Blurry Vision: Besides, hormonal change can result in changes in the shape and thickness of the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye. Such changes may lead to temporary blurry vision and make focusing on objects near or far away difficult.
3. Increased Cataract Development: Studies have also shown that women post-menopause are more prone to developing cataracts. The clouding of the eye’s natural lens results in blurred vision. Cataracts often accompany aging, but with menopause accelerating these features, they become very common at this stage.
4. Glaucoma: Studies have shown that a woman is at a higher risk of developing this optic nerve damage condition, which could lead to blindness, after menopause. The interrelationship between menopause and glaucoma is still debated; however, it is believed that the absence of estrogen is responsible for the increased risk.
5. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): A tendency to develop age-related macular degeneration, one of the major causes of blindness for people in older ages, arises after menopause. Estrogen confers a protective effect against AMD, so the decline in its level predisposes a woman to AMD.
Steps to Protect Your Eye Health During Menopause
Although seemingly alarming, there is much you can do proactively to take good care of your vision in relation to menopause:
- Regular Eye Exams: Make regular eye checkups a point, especially around the age of menopause and thereafter. The earlier you detect a problem, the better the outcome.
- Keep the Eyes Hydrated**: Adequate consumption of water assists in maintaining tear production and hence prevents dryness. You can also use a humidifier at your residence to inject moisture into the air for the extra removal of dry eye symptoms.
- Wearing sunglasses. The ultraviolet radiation from the sun might cause harm to the eyes and cataracts; wearing sunglasses whenever one is outside will help prevent an eye-related ailment quite easily.
- Healthy Diet: In addition, a diet containing enough omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C and E, and zinc will help maintain your eyes in healthy form. You might want to consider adding foods such as salmon, leafy greens, and nuts into your diet for added protection, or ask a doctor about supplements that could benefit you.
- Manage Health Conditions: Certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, can affect your vision. Take these conditions seriously and maintain them as best you can through working with your healthcare provider.
- Discuss Hormone Replacement Therapy: One thing that could affect your eye health involves hormone replacement therapy associated with menopause symptoms. Though HRT may help in fighting some other eye-related concerns, it is necessary to weigh its benefits and risks.
Final Thoughts
Menopause is a nature of aging, but that doesn’t mean it should be equated with a fall in the graph of quality life or your eye health. Keep the vision clear and healthy by being aware of the changes in this phase and take the right steps. With National Menopause Month, let us equip ourselves and others with the right knowledge and tools to support one another through this life phase.
