Identifying & Alleviating Common Eye Symptoms During Menopause
Last updated August 2025
The Unexpected Ways Menopause Affects Your Eyes
When we talk about menopause, most people think about hot flashes or hormone changes, but few talk about vision. In my practice, women are often surprised when dry, itchy eyes or blurry vision turn out to be part of the hormonal rollercoaster.
If your eyes feel different lately, you’re not imagining it. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can have a direct impact on eye health. This post is for anyone wondering: Is this normal? Should I be worried? And what can I do about it?
Let’s look at the most common symptoms, why they happen, and how to find relief.
Why Are My Eyes So Dry All the Time?
Dry eyes are probably the most common menopause-related eye complaint I hear. They can feel gritty, irritated, or just tired, especially after long days of screen time or exposure to dry air.
Estrogen and androgen levels help regulate tear production and the composition of your tear film. When those hormones decline, your eyes don’t stay as hydrated as they used to.
What you can do:
Use preservative-free artificial tears a few times per day
Stay well-hydrated
Take regular screen breaks and remember to blink (it sounds silly, but it helps!)
Try a humidifier in dry environments
If symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, talk to your doctor. There are prescription options and tests to better assess tear quality and inflammation.
Why Does My Vision Feel Off?
Blurry vision, especially in the morning or after long stretches of reading, is another frequent concern. Hormonal shifts can affect the shape of your cornea or cause subtle changes in fluid retention, which affects your vision.
This kind of blurry vision is usually temporary but can still be frustrating, especially if your usual glasses or contacts aren’t helping. If you're on hormone replacement therapy, it may also influence how your eyes feel or function.
When to check in:
Your vision changes suddenly or significantly
Your current prescription no longer seems effective
You notice increased sensitivity to light or headaches
An updated eye exam can provide reassurance and may reveal small changes that can offer valuable insights.
Is This Twitching Normal?
Eye twitching (technically called myokymia) is almost always harmless, but it can be incredibly annoying. Many women experience it during perimenopause or menopause due to a combination of stress, fatigue, and hormonal shifts.
What can help:
Cut back on caffeine for a few days
Prioritize rest and hydration
Add magnesium-rich foods (like leafy greens or nuts) to your diet
If the twitching spreads to other parts of your face or doesn’t go away after a few weeks, schedule a visit. It's likely nothing, but worth checking.
Why Do I Look More Tired Than I Feel?
It’s not just in your head. Many women notice that their eyes look different during menopause, even if their vision feels fine. Puffiness, dark circles, and a more hollowed appearance can all become more pronounced.
What’s going on? Estrogen plays a role in skin thickness, collagen production, and fluid regulation. As those levels decline, the skin under your eyes may thin out, making blood vessels more visible. Disrupted sleep (another menopause classic) doesn’t help.
How to support your skin:
Get consistent, quality sleep whenever possible
Use SPF around your eyes to protect thinning skin
Gently massage the area to support circulation and lymph drainage
Apply cooling compresses in the morning to reduce puffiness
When to Talk to a Doctor
Some eye changes are just part of the hormonal shifts of midlife. Others may signal something more serious. Reach out if you experience:
Persistent or worsening blurry vision
Eye pain, pressure, or redness
Sudden changes in how your eyes look or feel
Your eyes are worth taking seriously. Don’t wait to speak up, especially if your concerns are dismissed or downplayed.
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You’re Not Alone
"Hormonal shifts during menopause can affect so many parts of the body, including your eyes. Women often don’t realize these symptoms are connected, and they may go untreated for years. That’s why it’s so important to talk about it, and to work with providers who understand the whole picture."
— Dr. Loree Koza, DO, Manifest Health Concierge Medicine
Midlife is full of changes, and your eyes are just one more piece of the puzzle. But here’s the thing: you shouldn’t have to figure it all out on your own.
At Ms.Medicine, our providers are trained to understand the full spectrum of women’s health, including symptoms that aren’t always discussed. We believe you when you say something feels off. And we’ll work with you to get answers.
