Healthy Eyes

“After menopause, some women report chronically dry and scratchy eyes, often along with light sensitivity, blurred vision, or swollen or reddened eyelids—a condition…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Healthy Eyes Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Eye Care
  • Eye Health
  • Eyes
  • Vision

40 Years and Older

What are the major causes of vision loss for individuals aged 40 years and older?

In Vision and Eye Health: Health Frequently Asked Questions: About Common Eye Disorders and Diseases – Overview the (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note:

“The leading causes of blindness and low vision in the United States are primarily age-related eye diseases. Those diseases include age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Other common eye disorders include amblyopia and strabismus”.2

Women

Do women suffer from vision problems more than men?

In Your Sight: Women’s Eye and Vision Health the (United States) Prevent Blindness elaborate on:

“Women Suffer From Vision Problems More Than Men. They are:

  • 65% of people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
  • 61% of people with glaucoma
  • 61% of people with cataract
  • 56% of people with refractive error
  • 63% of people with vision impairment
  • 66% of people who are blind”.3

Menopause

Healthy EyesIs there an association between menopause and eyes?

In Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. My eyes itch and sometimes tear. Is this something that can be treated? the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) explain:

“A. After menopause, some women report chronically dry and scratchy eyes, often along with light sensitivity, blurred vision, or swollen or reddened eyelids—a condition called chronic dry eye. Tearing can also be a symptom, because the eye produces more watery tears to compensate, although these tears don’t lubricate the eyes the way healthy tears do. Sometimes, the condition is caused by certain diseases (such as Sjögren syndrome) or drugs (such as allergy medications and antidepressants)”.4

The NAMS also note:

“Consult your eye care team about what may be the cause in your case and the therapies available to help provide relief. In mild cases, over-the-counter artificial tear drops or gels can help. Drinking more water and taking omega 3 supplements may also be beneficial. More severe cases may require plugging tear ducts to keep tears in the eyes longer or prescription medication”.5

Dry Eye

What is dry eye?

DotS the definition of dry eye may vary. The (United States) National Eye Institute’s (NEI) definition is:

“Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears to stay wet, or when your tears don’t work correctly. This can make your eyes feel uncomfortable, and in some cases it can also cause vision problems”.6

In Dry Eye: What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye? the NEI also explain:

“Dry eye can cause:

  • A scratchy feeling, like there’s something in your eye
  • Stinging or burning feelings in your eye
  • Red eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision”.7

How common is dry eye?

The NEI note:

  • “Dry eye is common — it affects millions of Americans every year”.8

Is there an association between dry eye and menopause?

In Dry Eye: Am I At Risk for Dry Eye? the NEI elaborate on:

“Anyone can get dry eye, but you might be more likely to have dry eye if you:

  • Age 50 or older
  • Are female…”.9

8 Things You Can Do

What are 8 Things You Can Do Right Now To Protect Your Vision?

In 8 Things You Can Do Right Now To Protect Your Vision the NEI elaborate on:

Healthy Vision Month

“As you get older, your risk for some eye diseases may increase. But there’s a lot you can do to keep your eyes healthy — and it all starts with taking care of your overall health. Set yourself up for a lifetime of seeing your best with these 8 tips!

  1. Find an eye doctor you trust
  2. Ask how often you need a dilated eye exam
  3. Add more movement to your day
  4. Get your family talking… about eye health history!
  5. Step up your healthy eating game
  6. Make a habit of wearing your sunglasses — even on cloudy days
  7. Stay on top of long-term health conditions — like diabetes and high blood pressure
  8. If you smoke, make a quit plan”.10

Eye Test

Why is an eye test important?Healthy Eyes

In Sight Tests: Why Is A Sight Test Important? Visionmatters.org.uk also note:

“Many people think that a sight test is just about checking whether your vision needs correcting with glasses or contact lenses. But there are other important reasons to have a regular sight test.

A sight test is a vital check on the health of the eyes and includes the detection of eye conditions. Many of these, if found early, can be treated successfully, avoiding potential sight loss.

A sight test can also detect other health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes”.11

Eye Test Frequency

How often should most people have an eye test?

Visionmatters.org.uk explain:

“Most people should have a sight test once every two years.

Certain groups may need a sight test more frequently. These include:

  • People with a history of eye conditions in the family
  • People over 40 of Afro-carribean or Asian origin

Speak to your optometrist for individual advice”.12

Free/Low Cost Eye Tests

Do some countries have free eye tests?

Your eye health care provider, health care provider, social worker, local community health center or hospital; may know about free or low cost eye tests.

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with my eyes?

If you would like help with your eyes, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your eye health care provider or health care provider about this. Together you can discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Healthy Eyes?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Healthy Eyes?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

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  4. 6 Top Benefits of Vitamin A
  5. 7 Best Foods for Healthy Eyes
  6. 8 Things You Can Do Right Now To Protect Your Vision
  7. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
  8. Animation: Glaucoma
  9. Artificial Tears: How To Select Eyedrops for Dry Eyes
  10. Cataract Surgery
  11. Cataracts
  12. Cataracts – What To Ask Your Doctor
  13. Causes of Dry Eye
  14. Contacts vs. Glasses: Which Is Best for You?
  15. Diabetic Eye Problems
  16. Diabetic Retinopathy
  17. Diabetic Retinopathy
  18. Diabetic Retinopathy
  19. Diabetes: Vision Loss and Diabetes
  20. Do Glasses That Block Blue Light Help Your Eyes? [+ Video Courtesy: Muriel Schornack, O.D./Optometry/Mayo Clinic]
  21. Do Sunglasses Actually Protect Your Eyes
  22. Dry Eye
  23. Dry Eye [+ Video – Dry Eye: Symptoms, Causes and Symptoms]
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  25. Everyday Eye Care: 7 Tips for Using Contact Lenses Safely
  26. Eye Anatomy
  27. Eye Conditions and Diseases
  28. Eye Dilation: Necessary With Every Eye Exam?
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  30. Eye Floaters
  31. Eye Melanoma
  32. EyeCare America [American Academy of Ophthalmology]
  33. Facts You Should Know About Age-Related Macular Degeneration
  34. Family History, Ethnicity Give Insights Into Glaucoma
  35. Floaters
  36. Foods for Eye Health
  37. Get A Dilated Eye Exam
  38. Got A New Eye Prescription? Here’s What It Means
  39. Glaucoma
  40. Glaucoma Awareness Month
  41. Healthy Contact Lens Wear and Care
  42. Healthy Contact Lens Wear and Care: Preventing Eye Infections When Wearing Contacts
  43. Healthy Vision
  44. Healthy Vision Month [May, United States]
  45. How Age-Related Macular Degeneration Blurs Vision
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  47. Intraocular (Eye) Melanoma–Patient Version
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  49. LASIK vs. SMILE: Which Is Right for You?
  50. Laser Eye Surgery
  51. Laser Eye Surgery and Lens Surgery
  52. Long-Sightedness
  53. Low Vision
  54. Macular Degeneration
  55. Macular Disease
  56. Mayo Clinic Minute: Do You Have Dry Eyes? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  57. Mayo Clinic Minute: Protecting Your Eyesight From Glaucoma [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  58. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Are Eye Floaters? [+ Video]
  59. Mayo Clinic Minute: Why Sunglasses Are A Must-Wear [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  60. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Glaucoma — The ‘Silent Thief of Sight’
  61. Mayo Clinic Q and A: How To Treat Dry Eye Disease
  62. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Avoid Preventable Vision Loss [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  63. Menopausal Women Should Watch Out for These Four Eye Diseases
  64. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. My eyes itch and sometimes tear. Is this something that can be treated?
  65. A Guide To Women's Eye HealthNational Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Dietary Supplements for Eye Conditions
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Eye Conditions At A Glance
  67. National Eye Institute [United States]
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  70. Polarized Sunglasses: Protecting Your Eyes From Harmful Glare
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  72. SWHR Patient Toolkit: A Guide to Women’s Eye Health
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  77. Shady Debate: Polarized vs. Non-Polarized Sunglasses
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  79. Sight Tests
  80. Sjogrens.org [Sjögrens Foundation, United States]
  81. Sjogren’s Syndrome
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  83. The Latest Thinking on Dry Eye Treatments
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  85. Ultimate Guide To Dry Eye Treatments In 2024 [+ Video]
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  88. Vision and Eye Health: Frequently Asked Questions About Vision Health
  89. Vision and Eye Health: Preventing Vision Loss
  90. Vision and Eye Health: Taking Care of Your Eyes
  91. Vision and Eye Health: Why Eye Exams Are Important
  92. Watering Eyes
  93. WHO Launches the WHOeyes App on World Sight Day
  94. What Is Dry Eye? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment?
  95. What To Eat (and Avoid) When You Have Macular Degeneration
  96. What You Should Know About Eye Drops
  97. Women and Eye Disease
  98. World Sight Day 2024
  99. Your Eye Health and Diabetes
  100. Your Sight: Women’s Eye and Vision Health

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. My eyes itch and sometimes tear. Is this something that can be treated? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-your-health-after-menopause Accessed: 15 July 2024
  2. Vision and Eye Health: Health Frequently Asked Questions: About Common Eye Disorders and Diseases – Overview. Last Reviewed: 15 May 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/about-eye-disorders/index.html Accessed: 15 July 2024
  3. Your Sight: Women’s Eye and Vision Health. Prevent Blindness. https://preventblindness.org/womens-healthy-eyes-now/ Accessed: 15 July 2024
  4. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. My eyes itch and sometimes tear. Is this something that can be treated? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-your-health-after-menopause Accessed: 15 July 2024
  5. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. My eyes itch and sometimes tear. Is this something that can be treated? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-your-health-after-menopause Accessed: 15 July 2024
  6. Dry Eye: What Is Dry Eye? Last Updated: 15 November 2023. National Eye Institute https://nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye Accessed: 15 July 2024
  7. Dry Eye: What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye? Last Updated: 15 November 2023. National Eye Institute https://nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye Accessed: 15 July 2024
  8. Dry Eye: What Is Dry Eye? Last Updated: 15 November 2023. National Eye Institute https://nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye Accessed: 15 July 2024
  9. Dry Eye: Am I At Risk for Dry Eye? Last Updated: 15 November 2023. National Eye Institute https://nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye Accessed: 15 July 2024
  10. 8 Things You Can Do Right Now to Protect Your Vision. Last Updated: 01 November 2022. National Eye Institute https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/8-things-you-can-do-right-now-protect-your-vision Accessed: 15 July 2024
  11. Sight Tests: Why Is A Sight Test Important? Visionmatters.org.uk https://www.visionmatters.org.uk/sight-tests/sight-tests Accessed: 15 July 2024
  12. Sight Tests: How Often Should I Have A Sight Test? Visionmatters.org.uk http://www.visionmatters.org.uk/sight-tests/sight-tests Accessed: 15 July 2024
Topic Last Updated: 11 October 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 15 July 2024

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