Women of child-bearing age commonly have changes in vision due to birth control pills or pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause dry, irritated, or watery eyes, as well as the inability to wear contacts. It is recommended that pregnant women wait until after their baby is born to get a new prescription, however if you have certain medical conditions like diabetes or are experiencing unusual or sudden changes in your vision, a trip to your eye doctor is recommended to rule out more serious eye conditions.
As we age, we can expect to experience some age-related vision loss, but we may not realize that hormones are a primary cause of diminishing eyesight. Peri-menopausal and menopausal women often report having vision changes as a result of decreased estrogen. Also, women who have had hysterectomies may experience vision changes until hormones and hormonal replacement therapies normalize.
Changes in hormone levels are typically normal and not a cause for concern. However, if you experience unusual or sudden vision changes, you should get a comprehensive eye exam where your eye doctor can check your eyes and look for signs of other health conditions like diabetes. It's also a good idea to visit your medical doctor to find out if your hormones are out of balance.
Have questions about your vision changes? Give us a call so we can help educate you on the changes and find ways to ease the symptoms and maintain your vision as you grow older.