You might associate menopause with a few symptoms: hot flushes, disrupted sleep and changes to your libido, for instance. <\/p>\n
But other side effects<\/a>, like a frozen shoulder, tinnitus, and a burning mouth, are lesser-known side effects.<\/p>\n Perhaps that\u2019s because more than 90% of women<\/a> were never taught about the menopause in school (even once they start noticing symptoms, University College London noted <\/a>just 60% seek more information). <\/p>\n And yet another under-recognised example of how menopause can impact women, said Marcela Espinosa-Lagana, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Centre for Sight<\/a>, includes changes to the eyes. <\/p>\n \u201cMany women don\u2019t realise that menopause can impact their eyesight,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to encourage women to seek help, get regular eye checks, and explore treatment options rather than suffer in silence.\u201d<\/p>\n How can menopause affect your eyes? <\/strong><\/p>\n We aren\u2019t exactly sure why, but dry eyes are associated<\/a> with menopause and perimenopause<\/a> (the stretch of time where some symptoms of menopause kick in, but before you\u2019ve gone without your period for a full year).<\/p>\n Scientists originally thought the change was linked to lower oestrogen levels, but more recent research suggests<\/a> it could be down to androgens, like testosterone.<\/p>\n Whatever the cause, though, Dr Espinosa-Lagana said: \u201cEye symptoms such as dryness, irritation or visual changes should not be ignored.\u201d<\/p>\n You might face itchiness, a \u201cburning\u201d or gritty feeling, blurriness, or an increased sensitivity to light. <\/p>\n For mild cases, the surgeon advised trying:<\/p>\n Some research suggests <\/a>that Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fatty fish, can help tear quality and make dry eye easier to manage. <\/p>\n When should I see a GP?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n