Eyesight and Menopause
Now that I’m turning 50, I’ve started experiencing more severe menopausal symptoms. As mentioned in ‘my perimenopause journey’ blog, these changes include irregular menstrual cycle, cramps, sleep problems, anxiety, and digestive problems.
The hormonal shifts are beginning to affect my metabolism; I’ve been putting weight more easily and even noticing changes in my hair and skin. I also found out that menopause can commonly affect the vision. Personally, I hadn’t noticed much change in my eyes but this is probably because of my daily vision care routine.
Here are some of the eyesight issues related to the menopause and some natural remedies you can try:
Dry eyes
Due to the decline in oestrogen, our eyes can become dry and irritated. Frequent screen use is said to decrease our blink rate leading to dry eyes. Blinking regularly encourages healthy function of tear duct. Spending more time outdoors will also help combat dry eyes.
I used to have severe dry eye problems when I wore contact lenses and natural vision practices have helped massively. They’re now looking healthy and bright.
Eye Strain
You may notice your eyes feel tired or overworked. Practicing relaxation and palming your eyes regularly can alleviate eye strain and fatigue. Sleep problems are also common in Perimenopause and Menopause, which can really affect our eyes and mind. You can also read my blog on yoga for better sleep for natural tips for getting good night’s sleep.
Blurred Vision: Myopia and Presbyopia
Hormonal fluctuations can affect our eyes and may lead to myopia (short sightedness) and presbyopia (long sightedness). However, many people manage to retain good eyesight into old age.
I started natural vision improvement to prevent Presbyopia, I’ve managed to avoid it and even improved the Myopia that I’ve had since I was young.
Light sensitivity
Light sensitivity or photophobia can commonly occur during the menopause. Getting the right balance of light and darkness is essential for healthy eyes and for better sleep. Spending more time outdoors and gradually practicing sunning can help combat light sensitivity and improve your overall well-being.
Out of habit, I used to wear sunglasses all the time, even when the sun rays were not that strong. Now, I hardly ever wear them, and my eyes are healthier than they’ve ever been.
Increased risk of eye diseases
Ageing can increase the risk of eye disease like cataract, glaucoma, and macular degeneration and it's important to get your eyes checked regularly by good opticians or ophthalmologist.
When we start to take care of our eyes like we do with our teeth and body, it can really make a huge difference. Natural vision practices are relaxing, effective and simple to do. It’s also surprisingly easy to incorporate to our daily life. By learning to look after ourselves better, we can age positively and gracefully.
Resources:
https://www.oclvision.com/blog/menopause-and-eyesight/#:~:text=During%20menopause%2C%20the%20hormonal%20changes,to%20consult%20an%20eye%20specialist.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/mind-body/10-tips-for-ageing-better/