Menopause also affects vision: how to protect eye health during this stage
The hormonal changes associated with menopause can affect eye health and increase the prevalence of dry eye, as well as contribute to visual fatigue, fluctuations in prescription, and potentially influence the risk of glaucoma.
Menopause is a stage marked by significant hormonal changes that can affect different organs and tissues throughout the body, including the eyes. The progressive decline in estrogen and androgen levels can alter the ocular surface, tear production, and other eye structures, increasing the likelihood of experiencing visual discomfort or developing certain eye conditions.
One of the most common problems during this stage is dry eye disease, a condition that affects approximately one in fiveadults in Spain, particularly women, according to the first prevalence study on dry eye disease in Spain (PrevEOS).
“Many patients report burning, a gritty sensation, redness, or intermittent blurred vision. These symptoms are often normalized, but they should be properly addressed,” explains Dr. Laura Porrúa, a specialist in dry eyetreatment at Miranza Instituto Gómez-Ulla.
Why can menopause affect eye health?
Hormonal changes play an important role in the functioning of the ocular surface. Both estrogen and androgens are involved in various processes related to the production and stability of the tear film and in the regulation of ocular inflammation.
Estrogen plays a role in regulating the epithelial cells of the ocular surface and in the function of the lacrimal glands, influencing both the quantity and quality of tears.
Androgens, meanwhile, are essential for the proper functioning of the meibomian glands, which produce the lipid component of tears. This layer helps prevent excessive tear evaporation and contributes to maintaining a stable ocular surface.
When hormone levels change, this can contribute to the development of dry eye, ocular inflammation, and variousforms of visual discomfort, particularly during stages such as menopause or in the presence of certain endocrine disorders.
In addition, estrogen appears to have a certain protective effect against the risk of glaucoma, which may increase in cases of early menopause. During menopause, sensitivity to light, visual fatigue, and fluctuations in prescription mayalso increase.
The importance of eye exams during menopause
Having regular eyeexaminations during menopause, even whent here are no symptoms, makes it possible to monitor eyehealth and detect potential changes at an early stage.
“A comprehensive eye examination allows us to detect changes at an early stage and provide personalized treatments that can significantly improve patients’ quality of life”, says the team at Miranza Instituto Gómez-Ulla.
In addition to regular eye exams, certain habits can help protect eye health during this stage:
- Maintain adequate hydration.
- Follow a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
- Protect your eyes from solar radiation.
- Avoid prolonged screen use without taking regular breaks.
Menopause should not be viewed as a loss of well-being, but rather as a stage in which self-care becomes even more important. Taking care of eye health is part of a comprehensive approach that enables women to maintain good vision and continue enjoying an active lifestyle.
Advanced Treatments for Dry Eye
Advances in ophthalmology are making it possible to treat dry eye more effectively and with increasingly personalized approaches. Among the available options is Endoret (PRGF), a technology based on the use of regenerative proteins obtained from the patients’ own plasma.
This treatment promotes the repair and regeneration of the ocular surface, reduces inflammation, and helps improve symptoms in cases of moderate to severe dry eye.
Another of the most innovative options is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), particularly indicated when there is dysfunction of the meibomian glands, one of the main causes of dry eye. IPL helps improve the function of these glands, promoting the production of a more stable tear film and reducing the inflammation associated with the condition.
“We currently have advanced treatments that allow us to address the underlying cause of the problem rather than simply relieving the symptoms. Combining therapies such as Endoret and IPL, together with an accurate diagnosis and individualized follow-up, provides excellent results”, concludes Dr. Porrúa.
Article supervised by Dr. Laura Porrúa, specialist in dry eye treatment at Miranza Instituto Gómez-Ulla