Story by Raksha Bhattacharjee
Numerous factors might contribute to dry eyes, including hormonal changes that occur after menopause. You can avoid it like this.
Hormonal changes during menopause have a significant impact on ocular health
A woman’s body undergoes significant hormonal changes during the menopause and perimenopause. The effect of these hormonal changes on the eyes is sometimes overlooked, despite the fact that they can cause a variety of health problems. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Savitha Arun, director, medical superintendent, and senior consultant for anterior segment and electrophysiology at Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital in Bangalore, said that, primarily due to decreased levels of estrogen and androgens, hormonal changes during menopause have a significant impact on ocular health. These hormonal shifts cause a reduction in tear production, which in turn aggravates dry eye symptoms such as irritation, redness, a grainy sensation, and ocular weariness.
How are menopause and dry eyes related?
The most common condition affecting the eyes is dry eye. The development of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can occur, but menopause is not the sole cause of these disorders. Oxidative damage and age-related factors are often associated with these illnesses. Although they are not the primary reason, hormonal abnormalities can contribute to many illnesses. But according to Dr. Savitha Arun, dry eye is often exacerbated by menopausal hormone changes.
Dry eyes can be caused by a number reasons, including:
A variety of causes, including changes in hormones, diabetes, and environmental conditions (such dry air or too much screen time), can lead to dry eye. The doctor pointed out that while grading systems can be used to identify mild, moderate, and severe severity, it is clinically challenging to identify a single cause, such as hormones, because the illness is influenced by a variety of factors, such as lifestyle, diabetes, and environmental exposure.
Can ocular problems result from changes in estrogen?
Glaucoma may be brought on by hormonal changes that occur after menopause. Various areas of the eye are affected by changes in estrogen. Cataracts may develop more quickly if the eye is subjected to higher oxidative stress due to lower estrogen levels. The eye specialist added that estrogen may influence intraocular pressure through its role in the ciliary body, thereby impacting the risk of glaucoma.
Follow these preventative guidelines:
Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a diet that is rich in antioxidants and well-balanced. Prevent long-term conditions including obesity and diabetes Apply the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain caused by screen time. Wear safety glasses when required. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is one option for treating chronic dry eye. Use supplements like vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants as advised.
