During perimenopause and menopause, women experience significant hormonal changes that can trigger a range of health issues—one of the less discussed impacts being on eye health.
Speaking to HT Lifestyle, an Indian doctor, Dr. Savitha Arun, director, Medical Superintendent and Senior Consultant at Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital in Bangalore, explained that hormonal changes during menopause significantly impact ocular health, primarily due to reduced levels of estrogen and androgens. These hormonal shifts result in decreased tear production, contributing to dry eye symptoms such as irritation, redness, a gritty sensation, and eye fatigue, she added.
The connection between menopause and dry eyes
Dry eyes are the most common eye issue linked to menopause. Dr. Savitha noted that while conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can also develop during this phase, they are not exclusively caused by menopause. “These conditions are often related to oxidative stress and other age-related factors. Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to these conditions but are not the sole cause. Dry eye, however, is very commonly exacerbated by menopausal hormonal changes,” she said.
What factors contribute to dry eyes?
According to Dr. Savitha, dry eyes usually result from a mix of causes. “Dry eye is usually a combination of factors, including hormonal changes, diabetes, environmental conditions (like dry air or excessive screen time). There are grading systems to assess the severity (mild, moderate, severe), but identifying a singular cause—such as hormones—is clinically challenging, as multiple factors including lifestyle, diabetes, and environmental exposure contribute to the condition,” she explained.
Can hormonal changes cause other eye problems?
Dr. Savitha pointed out that hormonal shifts, particularly fluctuations in estrogen levels, can also affect eye health beyond dry eyes. Estrogen fluctuations affect various ocular tissues. Reduced estrogen levels can increase oxidative stress in the eye, potentially accelerating cataract development. Estrogen may also influence intraocular pressure through its role in the ciliary body, which has implications for glaucoma risk,” she said.
Tips to protect eye health during menopause
Dr. Savitha recommended several preventive measures:
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a diet rich in antioxidants. Control underlying conditions like diabetes and obesity.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule to ease screen-related eye strain. Use protective eyewear when necessary. Explore treatments like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy for chronic dry eye.
Take prescribed supplements, including Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Courtesy: Hindustan Times
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
