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 Health Frequently Asked Questions: What Are the Major Causes of Vision Loss for Individuals Aged 40 Years and Older? the (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note:

“The prevalence of blindness and visual impairment increases with age in all racial and ethnic groups. The major eye diseases among people 40 years and older are age-gelated macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma”.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 Causes of Dry Eye: Am I At Risk for Dry Eye? the NEI elaborate on:

“You may be more likely to get dry eye if you are:

  • Age 50 or older. As you get older, your body has to work harder to make tears
  • A woman. The hormone changes that happen during pregnancy and menopause (when a woman stops getting her period) can make it harder for your body to make tears”.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”.13

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

  1. 4 Serious Age-Related Eye Problems
  2. 6 Tips To Help Combat Computer Vision Syndrome
  3. 6 Top Benefits of Vitamin A
  4. 8 Things You Can Do Right Now To Protect Your Vision
  5. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
  6. Animation: Glaucoma
  7. Artificial Tears: How To Select Eyedrops for Dry Eyes
  8. Basics of Vision and Eye Health
  9. Cataract Surgery
  10. Cataracts
  11. Cataracts – What To Ask Your Doctor
  12. Causes of Dry Eye
  13. Common Eye Disorders and Diseases
  14. Consumer Health: Are You Considering Contact Lenses?
  15. Consumer Health: Choosing and Caring for Contact Lenses
  16. Diabetic Eye Problems
  17. Diabetic Retinopathy
  18. Diabetic Retinopathy
  19. Diabetic Retinopathy
  20. Diabetes and Vision Loss
  21. Do Glasses That Block Blue Light Help Your Eyes? [+ Video Courtesy: Muriel Schornack, O.D./Optometry/Mayo Clinic]
  22. Dry Eye
  23. Dry Eye [+ Video – Dry Eye: Symptoms, Causes and Symptoms]
  24. Dry Eyes
  25. Everyday Eye Care: 7 Tips for Using Contact Lenses Safely
  26. Eye Anatomy
  27. Eye Care: Eye Care Tips
  28. Eye Conditions and Diseases
  29. Eye Dilation: Necessary With Every Eye Exam?
  30. Eye Diseases
  31. Eye Exam and Vision Testing Basics
  32. Eye Floaters
  33. Eye Melanoma
  34. EyeCare America [American Academy of Ophthalmology]
  35. Facts You Should Know About Age-Related Macular Degeneration
  36. Family History, Ethnicity Give Insights Into Glaucoma
  37. Floaters
  38. Foods for Eye Health
  39. Frequently Asked Questions About Vision Health
  40. Get A Dilated Eye Exam
  41. Got A New Eye Prescription? Here’s What It Means
  42. Glaucoma
  43. Glaucoma Awareness Month
  44. Healthy Contact Lens Wear and Care
  45. Healthy Vision
  46. Healthy Vision Month [May, United States]
  47. Home Remedies: Eyestrain and Discomfort
  48. How Age-Related Macular Degeneration Blurs Vision
  49. How the Eyes Work
  50. Intraocular (Eye) Melanoma–Patient Version
  51. Keep An Eye on Your Vision Health
  52. Keep Your Eyes Healthy
  53. Laser Eye Surgery
  54. Laser Eye Surgery and Lens Surgery
  55. Long-Sightedness
  56. Low Vision
  57. Macular Degeneration
  58. Macular Disease
  59. Mayo Clinic Minute: Blurry Vision As You Age [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  60. Mayo Clinic Minute: Do You Have Dry Eyes? [+ Video]
  61. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Staring At Screens Can Affect Your Vision [+ Video]
  62. Mayo Clinic Minute: Protecting Your Eyesight From Glaucoma [+ Video]
  63. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Are Eye Floaters? [+ Video]
  64. Mayo Clinic Minute: Why Sunglasses Are A Must-Wear [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  65. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Are Blue Light Blocking Glasses A Must Have?
  66. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Glaucoma — The ‘Silent Thief of Sight’
  67. Mayo Clinic Q and A: How To Treat Dry Eye Disease
  68. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Avoid Preventable Vision Loss [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  69. Menopausal Women Should Watch Out for These Four Eye Diseases
  70. A Guide To Women's Eye HealthMenopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. My eyes itch and sometimes tear. Is this something that can be treated?
  71. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Dietary Supplements for Eye Conditions
  72. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Eye Conditions At A Glance
  73. National Eye Institute [United States]
  74. Ocular Rosacea
  75. Our Eyes Are More Sensitive To UV Harm Than Our Skin
  76. Protect Your Eyes
  77. SWHR Patient Toolkit: A Guide to Women’s Eye Health
  78. Science In 5: Episode 109 – Adult Eye Care
  79. See Clearly: Advances In Eyewear
  80. Seeing Red: 6 Possible Reasons for Red Eyes
  81. Seeing Your Way To Better Eye Health
  82. Shady Debate: Polarized vs. Non-Polarized Sunglasses
  83. Short-Sightedness (Myopia)
  84. Sight Tests
  85. Sjogrens.org [Sjögrens Foundation, United States]
  86. Sjogren’s Syndrome
  87. The Dangers of Rubbing Itchy Eyes
  88. The Latest Thinking on Dry Eye Treatments
  89. Tips To Prevent Vision Loss
  90. Travel Tips for People Who Wear Contact Lenses
  91. Ultimate Guide To Dry Eye Treatments In 2022 [+ Video: How To Say Bye To Dry Eye]
  92. Vision Health Frequently Asked Questions
  93. Watering Eyes
  94. What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Improving Eye Health
  95. What Is Dry Eye? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment?
  96. What Is Ocular Melanoma?
  97. What To Eat (and Avoid) When You Have Macular Degeneration
  98. Women and Eye Disease
  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: 14 September 2023
  2. Vision Health Frequently Asked Questions: What Are the Major Causes of Vision Loss for Individuals Aged 40 Years and Older. Last Reviewed: 19 December 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/faq.htm Accessed: 14 September 2023
  3. Your Sight: Women’s Eye and Vision Health. Prevent Blindness. https://preventblindness.org/womens-healthy-eyes-now/ Accessed: 14 September 2023
  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: 14 September 2023
  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: 14 September 2023
  6. Dry Eye: What Is Dry Eye? Last Updated: 08 April 2022. National Eye Institute https://nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye Accessed: 14 September 2023
  7. Dry Eye: What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye? Last Updated: 08 April 2022. National Eye Institute https://nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye Accessed: 14 September 2023
  8. Dry Eye: What Is Dry Eye? Last Updated: 08 April 2022. National Eye Institute https://nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye Accessed: 14 September 2023
  9. Causes of Dry Eye: Am I At Risk for Dry Eye? Last Updated: 23 December 2020. National Eye Institute https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye/causes-dry-eye Accessed: 14 September 2023
  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: 14 September 2023
  11. Sight Tests: Why Is A Sight Test Important? Visionmatters.org.uk https://www.visionmatters.org.uk/sight-tests/sight-tests Accessed: 14 September 2023
  12. Sight Tests: How Often Should I Have A Sight Test? Visionmatters.org.uk http://www.visionmatters.org.uk/sight-tests/sight-tests Accessed: 14 September 2023
Topic Last Updated: 22 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 14 September 2023

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