How Hormones Affect Eyesight

You know about menopausal issues such as night sweats, hot flashes, loss of libido and insomnia. What you may not know that the loss of hormones connected with aging can also affect your vision.

Older women are more likely to suffer vision loss as they age than men, and this relates to lower post-menopausal hormone levels.

Several eye-related diseases become more prevalent after menopause. While these diseases are age-related, lower estrogen levels post-menopause can cause or exacerbate them. Hormone replacement therapy offered in Connecticut does more than stop annoying hot flashes – it can help you retain the ability to see.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma results from increased pressure within the eye, harming the optic nerve. Glaucoma symptoms include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Head and eye pain
  • Rainbows around bright lights
  • Eye pain and nausea
  • Sudden, total loss of vision

Glaucoma symptoms are considered an emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is the main cause of vision loss in older patients. It occurs when a section of the retina – the macula – becomes damaged and central vision is affected. Macular degeneration symptoms include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Dark spots in vision’s center field
  • Items move or disappear while you are looking at them
  • Trouble switching from dark to light spaces
  • Distortion of straight lines
  • Words vanish while you read

Along with estrogen, the hormone DHEA helps to keep the macula healthy. However, such supplements require a doctor’s supervision, rather than purchasing over-the-counter DHEA which may contain poor quality ingredients.

Cataracts

The eye’s lens should remain clear. When it begins to cloud, that may indicate the formation of a cataract. Age-related cataracts often develop gradually, so initial symptoms are subtle. By the age of 60, many women start to develop cataracts, but may not notice significant visual impairment for several years.

Those with a family history of cataracts or women who spent a lot of time in the sun without protective sunglasses are at greater risk. Cataract symptoms include:

  • Blurry vision
  • Night vision problems
  • Changing colors, especially bright to dull
  • Light sensitivity
  • Double vision in one eye

It is crucial to contact an ophthalmologist for a definite diagnosis of any eye disease.

How Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Help

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy restores your body’s estrogen levels. This reduces the risk of your developing hormone-depletion eye-related diseases. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a holistic approach which may include dietary changes and supplements to further protect vision.

Contact Dr. Jacobson Today

If you would like to know more about how bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help preserve your eyesight, call Dr. Edward Jacobson today and arrange a consultation.