Menopause, Hormones & Your Eyes: Why Your Eyes Need Attention Too

When we think about the changes that happen during perimenopause and menopause, we often think about hot flashes, sleep changes, mood changes, or shifts in energy. But hormonal changes can affect another important part of your body that may not get as much attention: your eyes.

Changes in estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones can influence the tear film, oil-producing glands in the eyelids, inflammation, and the health of the ocular surface. As a result, women going through perimenopause and menopause may be more susceptible to dry eye disease, also called ocular surface disease.

Dry Eye Doesn't Always Feel Dry

Dry eye can cause burning, irritation, grittiness, redness, excessive watering, light sensitivity, or fluctuating vision. But here's something important: you don't always have symptoms when ocular surface disease is developing.

The surface of the eye can begin to change before you notice a problem. This is why waiting until your eyes become uncomfortable isn't always the best approach.

Early Detection Can Make a Difference

When ocular surface disease is identified early, we have more opportunities to address inflammation, tear quality, eyelid gland function, and other contributing factors before the condition becomes more difficult to control.

Untreated or poorly controlled ocular surface disease can contribute to chronic inflammation, fluctuating or reduced vision, and damage to the tissues and nerves that protect the surface of the eye.

The goal isn't simply to treat uncomfortable eyes. It's to maintain a healthy ocular surface and protect your vision long-term.

Even If Your Eyes Feel Fine, Get Them Checked

If you're going through perimenopause or menopause, an ocular surface evaluation should be part of your overall health care—even if your eyes feel completely normal.

At The Eye Care Studio, we can identify subtle changes that you may not be able to feel yet and help determine your individual risk for developing dry eye and other ocular surface problems.

Your hormones are changing. Your eyes may be changing, too. Don't wait for symptoms to tell you something is wrong. Early evaluation can mean easier treatment, healthier eyes, and better vision for years to come.

To seeing (and feeling) your best,

Dr. Ame Cline
The Eye Care Studio
www.TheEyeCareStudio.com
(740) 761-2020