Changes in Eyesight

Finding your arms not long enough to read the fine print?  As we age our eyes and eyesight begin to change.  Around 45 years of age, our lenses begin hardening leading to the need for reading glasses, bifocals and longer and longer arms.  It's a normal part of aging but one that can be annoying and frustrating.  There isn't much you can do about it other than to make sure you have a pair of glasses ready and at hand. 

However, becoming farsighted is not the only challenge women in menopause may experience with their eyes.  Dry, itchy, red eyes are also common in women over the age of 45.  It can be painful and very uncomfortable. 

The reason for dry eyes can be varied.  It can even have serious repercussions.  The cause of dry eyes can either be from a lack of oil secreted from the eyelids or excessive evaporation of tears.  Some of the symptoms include:

• gritty feeling, like you have sand in your eyes
• sticky, stringy tears
• itchiness not necessarily related to allergies
• light sensitivity
• blurred vision
• difficulty getting contact lens in or out
• tired eyes during the day

Some or all of these can be caused by disorders like diabetes, arthritis, lupus, or Sjogren's syndrome.  If you have problems with dry eyes see your health care practitioner.

To give your eyes a break, consider these:

• When you look at a computer screen for extended periods of time you may not be blinking enough to replenish the lubricant in your eyes.
• Try a humidifier if your house or workplace is dry from climatic conditions or wood or electric heating.
• Use eye drops if you wear contact lenses.
• Lasik surgery that may have cut eye nerves, limiting impulse to blink.
• Medications like birth control pill, allergy pills, diuretics, or any type of medicine that can cause drying.
• Deficiencies in essential fatty acids and water.
• Diet contains inflammatory foods

Hormones also may have an affect on the health of your eyes, it all comes down to ratios.  Before menopause you produce more estrogen than testosterone.  During menopausal fluctuations estrogen levels drop causing testosterone levels to be higher.  Before menopause more estrogen causes an increase in tears and testosterone causes a decrease in the production of tears.  Menopause reverses this, the less estrogen the less tears.  Simply put, imbalances in any of the reproductive hormones can cause dry eyes.

Unfortunately, if your eyes are dry for too long, localized inflammation can occur, exacerbating the dryness.  So it's important to take care of your eyes as naturally as possible and as soon as symptoms arise.

• The first place to start is with your diet.  Make sure you are getting enough omega 3 fatty acids, leafy green vegetables, antioxidant rich berries, and most importantly, water.
• Homeopathic eye drops can soothe sore eyes and offer relief from allergies or irritants.
• Artificial tears can offer temporary relief.
• Use nutritional support for balancing your hormones.  
• Protect your eyes from irritants and pollution.
• Hydrate your environment with a humidifier.
• Try bathing your eyes in a solution made with the herb eyebright and warm water.
• This may seem obvious but make sure you're getting enough quality sleep.
• And ensure you are blinking enough.