Last week, Hollywood star Naomi Watts sparked up a conversation a lot of people don’t talk about; how menopause can significantly affect your eyes.
She opened up about waking with dry, gritty eyes and realising it wasn’t just random irritation. It was linked to hormonal changes.
Most of us know menopause for hot flushes and mood swings, but here’s the eye health angle:
During perimenopause and menopause, key hormones like oestrogen and androgens drop.
These hormones aren’t just about periods and mood; they’re tied to your tear film too.
When they dip, tear production and quality can go down and that leads to dry eyes, blurry vision and that constant gritty feeling.
What it feels like
People going through menopause might notice:
- Eyes that feel dry, itchy or scratchy
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
- Eyes that water a lot as a reaction to dryness
Sound familiar? It’s more common than you might think.
Research shows a big chunk of people in menopause struggle with dry eyes because tear quality changes.
Why this matters
Dry eyes aren’t just annoying. Untreated, they can lead to damage to the surface of your eye. That’s why regular eye exams with a trusted optometrist matter, especially if you’re noticing persistent discomfort.
Ways to ease it
Here are simple steps that may make your eyes feel a whole lot better:
- Use preservative-free artificial tears during the day
- Wear wraparound and UV protection certified sunnies outside
- Take breaks from screen and try to intentionally blink more frequently
- Consider boosting omega-3s through food or supplements (always check in with a health professional before starting any supplements)
- Add a humidifier to your workspace or bedroom
When to see an optometrist
Book in if symptoms stick around or ASAP if you’re getting blurry vision, pain or discharge. A proper dry eye assessment can uncover whether you need a tailored care plan, potentially with medicated drops or in clinic treatments.
A final thought
Hormones and eyes are more connected thanmost people realise. If menopause is on your radar and your eyes feel off, don’t dismiss it.
Get checked and look after your eyes; it’s part of the bigger picture of health through life’s transitions.
Find your local trusted optometrist today by popping your postcode into Good vision for life’s easy search tool.
