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The effect of hormones on the eyes

Throughout one’s life, the hormone balance changes, especially in women, but also in men. Pregnancy, the menopause, age and various diseases cause hormonal changes that also affect the eyes. This often leads to dry eyes, which should be treated.

How do hormones affect the eyes?

If there are changes in the hormone balance, e.g. during pregnancy or the menopause, then the eyes often suffer. This is because hormonal changes often cause an impairment in the production of the tear film. The lacrimal glands no longer function properly, and the composition of the tear fluid, which consists of a mucine, a watery and an oily portion, changes. This results in dry eyes, also called sicca syndrome.

The surface of the eye is no longer sufficiently lubricated with tears. This not only feels uncomfortable, but also poses risks to eye health. Because if the eyes are no longer protected by the tear film, pathogens can get into the eye and trigger inflammations and other diseases.

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Hormonal changes during pregnancy and their effects on the eyes

Pregnant women undergo a complete change in their hormone balance within a very short time. Everything is set up for the care of the child; the woman's body places all its priorities on the growing baby. Hormonal changes alter the composition of the tear film. It becomes thinner and ruptures more quickly. Moreover, the lacrimal glands usually produce less lubricating tear fluid. This is why many pregnant women suffer from dry eyes. But that's not all: Often, vision also deteriorates, but usually only temporarily. After the birth, the eyes usually return to their old visual acuity.

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Hormonal changes during the menopause and their effects on the eyes

With the onset of the menopause, many women suffer from hot flushes and sweats. The mucous membranes of the body also change, becoming noticeable due to dry eyes, among other things. This is because the female hormone oestrogen has a major effect on tear production. If the oestrogen level drops during the menopause, the production of tear fluid also changes. The lacrimal glands will generally produce less fluid. However, the small amount of tear fluid is not enough to lubricate the eye sufficiently. The composition of the tear film also varies due to hormonal changes. This causes the protective film to rupture earlier, leaving dry eyes.

Effects of age-related hormone fluctuations on the eyes

Especially in old age, many people suffer from dry eyes. There are two reasons for this: Tear production keeps decreasing, and the composition of the tear film changes. This is an ongoing process, which is why the severity of dry eyes steadily increases with advancing age. One reason for this is that elderly people often suffer from certain diseases such as diabetes or rheumatism, which promote the drying out of the eyes. But decreasing oestrogen levels also promote eye dryness. The symptoms can usually be well treated with lubricating eye drops, but these must be used permanently.

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Effects of thyroid problems on the eyes

Diseases of the thyroid have an impact on the whole body. This leads to dry eyes, among other things, which cause unpleasant symptoms for those affected. This is because the thyroid controls the hormone system and with it also various metabolic processes. If the thyroid becomes overactive or underactive, the balance of hormones is disturbed. Generally, dry mucous membranes occur if the thyroid is underactive. The body's faulty hormone regulation means that the mouth, throat, nose and eyes cannot produce enough fluid. In the case of an overactive function, on the other hand, swelling of the tissue can occur, which also causes the eyes to swell.

Thyroid diseases that affect the eyes:

  • Graves’ disease (Basedow’s disease) is a form of overactive thyroid that affects the eyes. A typical sign of the disease is protruding eyes.
  • Endocrine orbitopathy is also a disease of the eye socket that occurs due to thyroid dysfunction.
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease that leads to an underactive thyroid and often results in dry eyes.

What can I do about dry eyes?

Since in most cases you cannot do anything about the hormonal fluctuations, you should at least treat the discomfort of dry eyes. You can regularly lubricate your eyes with special eye drops so that they are shielded against pathogens and foreign bodies by a protective film. On top of that, the drops eliminate the unpleasant, scratchy feeling of dry eyes when blinking. It is best to discuss the treatment with your eye specialist. The specialist will recommend a suitable treatment appropriate to the causes of the complaints.

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