Vision Changes During A Woman’s Lifetime

Throughout their lifetime, women will experience a range of physical changes, not only in their bodies, but in their vision as well. Stages of life such as pregnancy or menopause bring about fluctuations in hormone levels and shifts in body functions, which can affect the eyes in various ways. Hormonal changes in a woman’s body can lead to temporary alterations in the clarity and comfort of vision. Understanding how these changes influence the eyes can help women navigate these stages in life with better eye health management.

Changes During Pregnancy:

Blurry Vision

Hormonal fluctuations can lead to changes in corneal thickness—leading to increased nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or difficulty focusing on objects at certain distances. These vision changes mostly occur in the second to third trimesters and typically resolve within three months after childbirth. Therefore, a doctor may wait a period of time before updating vision prescriptions post-delivery.¹

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are common during pregnancy as increased estrogen levels reduce tear production and lipid production/secretion from the oil glands. This can result in a gritty or scratchy feeling, especially with contact lens wear, but can be relieved with lubricating eye drops as well as drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Most dry eye symptoms are resolved within 2-3 days of delivery. But it’s important to note that dry eyes can also be a symptom of serious conditions such as pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes. When experiencing persistent dryness or other concerning symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with an eye care professional for proper evaluation.^1,2

Gestational Diabetes

Nearly 10% of pregnant women in the U.S. develop gestational diabetes which can impact vision and is a risk factor for future diabetes diagnosis for the mother and the fetus. Studies have shown that pregnancy can worsen diabetic retinopathy, especially in the second and/or third trimester, and even more so for women who were diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes prior to pregnancy. During pregnancy, changes to hormones, insulin, and blood vessel dilation lead to low retinal oxygen levels which in turn cause or worsen diabetic retinopathy and increase the chances of retinal hemorrhages. This can lead to swelling in the retina, specifically the macula, causing painless, but persistent, blurry vision. It is important to visit an eye-doctor if experiencing these symptoms.^2,3,7

Changes During Menopause:

Cataracts

Shifts in hormones, such as a decline in estrogen levels during menopause, can increase the risk of cataracts, a condition that affects the transparency of the natural lens of the eye. With cataracts, the lens becomes cloudy, restricting the ability for light to get through, ultimately leading to blurry and/or dim vision. Regular eye exams are important to detect cataracts early. If cataracts significantly affect vision, an eye care professional may recommend cataract surgery, which is a safe and effective procedure to restore vision clarity.^3,9

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Estrogen has been shown to have a protective effect against neovascular AMD (also known as wet AMD) and possibly against all other stages of AMD. But as estrogen levels decrease during menopause, its protective effect declines, leading to a higher risk of developing AMD. Age, lifestyle (smoking/UV exposure), and other health conditions may also contribute to the increased risk of AMD in menopausal women. If a woman is developing AMD, it is important to discuss treatments with an eye care professional—such as supplements, medication, or surgery.^4,11

Glaucoma

Low estrogen levels during menopause may reduce the ability for fluid to drain from the eye, which can lead to an increase in eye pressure. Increased eye pressure is the main cause of glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss.^5,9 Regular eye check-ups are crucial during menopause to detect any potential signs of glaucoma and discuss treatment options such as eye drops, oral medications, and/or surgery.^{5, 10}

The development of gestational diabetes during pregnancy, along with fluctuations in vision such as blurry vision and dry eyes, typically resolve after childbirth. For menopause, while vision changes may persist, they are treatable with proper vision care. Throughout all stages of life, it’s essential for women to visit their eye doctor regularly to manage any shifts in their vision and ensure optimal eye health.

Cited Research Articles

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