Menopuase Changes : Eyes & Dental
Eyes Changes
Long Eye Sight, Dryness
Various eye changes may occur during times of fluctuating hormone levels, such as during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause. Eyesight may be slightly altered. Eye shape may also change slightly, making contact lenses more difficult to tolerate and increasing the need for corrective lenses for reading.
After menopause, some women report chronically dry and scratchy eyes, often along with light sensitivity, blurred vision, increased tearing, or swollen or reddened eyelids—a condition called chronic dry eye syndrome. This condition can occur in climates with dry air, as well as from certain diseases (such as Sjögren’s syndrome) and with the use of some drugs (such as allergy medications and antidepressants). Therapies are available to help provide relief.
Aging brings increased risk for eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Regular eye checkups are helpful in finding eye disease early, at a more treatable stage. With any serious eye condition, consulting an ophthalmologist (physician specializing in the eye) is recommended.
Mouth & Dental Changes
With aging come increased dental problems, including tooth loss, need for dentures, gum recession, higher risk of gum tissue injury,
“burning” mouth and tongue, general hot and cold tooth sensitivity, and decreased bone mineral density (BMD) in the jawbone. While some of these problems are related to estrogen decline at menopause, other causes include advancing age, inadequate intake of calcium and vitamins, medication side effects, and medical conditions such as anemia or diabetes.
Practicing good oral hygiene is extremely important. Brushing and flossing daily, regular dental checkups and professional dental cleaning twice yearly are all recommended.
A woman’s primary healthcare provider should be advised of any changes observed by her dental professional, as some of these changes can be indicators of serious health problems else where in the body. For example, gum disease increases risk for heart disease, and tooth loss can be a sign of underlying bone disease, including osteoporosis.
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