Menopause linked to dry eyes and vision problems in women

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 10:29 · Archive

Hormonal changes during menopause can cause dry eyes, blurred vision and other eye problems affecting two million UK people.

Centre for Sight is highlighting the impact of menopause on women's eyesight during Menopause Awareness Month. Hormonal changes during menopause—decreased production of androgens, progesterone and oestrogen—affect all three layers of the tear film, reducing both the quantity and quality of tears, increasing evaporation and causing dryness and discomfort.

Dry eyes affect around two million people in the UK, with women disproportionately affected due to menopause. Symptoms include persistent grittiness, itchiness, burning, pain or tiredness in the eyes. These symptoms often worsen throughout the day and can be uncomfortable or even painful. Severe dry eye can increase the risk of corneal infection or ulceration, which may lead to permanent vision loss.

Marcela Espinosa-Lagana, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Centre for Sight, said: 'Many women don't realise that menopause can impact their eyesight. Eye symptoms such as dryness, irritation or visual changes should not be ignored.' She urged women to seek medical advice if necessary and to take charge of their eye health.

For mild cases, several self-care options can help: warm compresses, lubricating eye drops and Omega-3 supplements. However, if symptoms are severe or persistent, specialist treatment may be required.

Specialist eye treatments include steroid eye drops, punctal occlusion, intense pulsed light (IPL) and low-level light therapy (LLLT).

Menopause linked to dry eyes and vision problems in women — Image: Croydon Guardian

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Centre for Sight calls for awareness of menopause on women's eyesightTo mark Menopause Awareness Month, leading eye care clinic Centre for Sight is drawing attention to the impact of menopause on women’s eyesight.Croydon Guardian · 21 Oct, 10:00
Centre for Sight calls for awareness of menopause on women's eyesightTo mark Menopause Awareness Month, leading eye care clinic Centre for Sight is drawing attention to the impact of menopause on women’s eyesight.News Shopper · 21 Oct, 10:00
Centre for Sight calls for awareness of menopause on women's eyesightTo mark Menopause Awareness Month, leading eye care clinic Centre for Sight is drawing attention to the impact of menopause on women’s eyesight.This Is Local London · 21 Oct, 10:00
Centre for Sight calls for awareness of menopause on women's eyesightTo mark Menopause Awareness Month, leading eye care clinic Centre for Sight is drawing attention to the impact of menopause on women’s eyesight.Wandsworth Guardian · 21 Oct, 10:00

In this story: Centre for Sight · Marcela Espinosa-Lagana · United Kingdom

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