While most think that menopause only affects the female reproductive system, it can also affect other parts of the human body due to the fluctuation of hormone levels, including the eyes. What are the observable changes and conditions that can be felt by women nearing or who have already entered menopause? What eye care procedures should they keep in mind?
Menopause Cataracts
Studies have shown that cataracts (the clouding of the lens in the eyes) are more common in postmenopausal women. The symptoms often manifest after the age of 60, which include the loss of color intensity (colors look duller compared to before), cloudy vision, glare sensitivity and problems seeing clearly in the dark and at night. Eyes that adjust slower in the dark can cause problems both physically and mentally, and regular eye checkups or exams can immensely help in detecting these problems early on.
Watery or Dry Eyes
Watery and/or dry eyes are some of the common symptoms and effects of menopause on the eyes. Women state that their eyes become chronically scratchy, and they feel dry. These are compounded by blurry vision, light sensitivity and increased tearing. They also report having difficulty wearing their contact lenses.
Dry eye refers to the eye condition that happens when people don’t get the proper amount of eye lubrication (and normally, those are your tears), making people feel that their eyes are rough, especially when they blink. Some forms of dry eye can become more painful over time.
The symptoms, fortunately, can be mitigated by numerous therapies that help relieve your eyes from the effects, such as specific eye solutions, polymers and gels that can help give your eyes the comfort and rest they need. Tearing problems, on the other hand, can be remedied by using small tear duct plugs available on the market, and ophthalmologists can have them placed in your tear ducts to reduce the number of tears you can potentially lose, which will eventually lead to another bout of dry eye.
Contact Us!
Constantly having dry eye problems? Consider getting a LipiFlow® Treatment! Guilford Eye Center has continuously provided outstanding service and attention to the eye care needs of its clients and patients since 2001. We also offer services that use only the latest technology to provide state-of-the-art eye care for patients with diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eye and all types of acute eye infections. With doctors that have more than six decades of experience combined, we are certain that we can exceed your expectations when it comes to eye care!
For any inquiries, contact us at (336) 292-4516, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve clients and patients in High Point, NC.
