Have you ever wondered how hormones play a role in our overall health? These tiny little chemical messengers help regulate numerous functions in our bodies, including our vision and eye health. In this blog post, an optometrist will explore the importance of understanding the relationship between hormones and our eyes.
Estrogen and Its Effects on Vision
Women’s eye health depends on the production of estrogen. It protects the cornea, lens, and retina. However, estrogen fluctuations during menopause can cause dry eye syndrome and other vision issues. To diagnose and treat hormonally-related vision disorders, women must undergo regular eye exams, especially after menopause.
Testosterone and Its Effects on Vision
Similar to estrogen, testosterone impacts eye health. This hormone maintains the meibomian glands, which produce tears’ oily layer to avoid dry eyes. Low testosterone levels in older men can induce dry eye syndrome and other vision difficulties.
Thyroid Hormones and Their Effects on Vision
Eye muscle function depends on the activity of thyroid hormones. Double vision and bulging eyes can result from thyroid hormone imbalances such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Thyroid illnesses require regular eye exams to detect hormone-related vision issues before they worsen.
Cortisol and Its Effects on Vision
Cortisol, known as the “stress hormone”, controls ocular pressure. Chronic stress or adrenal diseases can cause high cortisol levels, which can contribute to the likelihood of glaucoma and other eye issues. People experiencing high levels of stress should undergo regular eye exams to determine cortisol-related eye disorders early and prevent long-term visual impairment.
Insulin and Its Effects on Vision
Insulin regulates blood sugar, which has an impact on eye health. Insulin imbalances, especially in diabetics, can cause diabetic retinopathy and other vision issues. Diabetics must have regular eye exams to detect and treat insulin-related vision problems before they worsen.
The Role of an Optometrist in Maintaining Eye Health
In maintaining eye health, the role of an optometrist cannot be overstated. Scheduling a visit with them is crucial to ensuring your overall vision health is in check, detecting hormone-related vision problems and providing necessary interventions. Additionally, they provide eyeglasses and contact lenses prescriptions to help correct vision problems.
For top-notch eye care services, turn to Eyes On Norbeck. Give us a call at (301) 238-7199, or fill out our online form to schedule a computer vision exam. We serve clients in Rockville, MD, and the surrounding communities.
