Hormonal changes and their relationship with vision

04 September 2025

Hormones play a fundamental role in the overall balance of the body, and the eyes are no exception. Different stages of life—such as adolescence, pregnancy, menopause, or certain medical conditions—cause hormonal variations that can directly influence eye health.

How do hormones affect the eyes?
Hormones are involved in processes that regulate tear production, tissue elasticity, and blood circulation. When an imbalance occurs, it is common to experience discomfort or changes in vision.

Some of the most frequent effects are:

• Dry eye syndrome: The decrease in estrogens and androgens, especially during menopause, reduces the production and quality of the tear film, causing dryness, burning, or a gritty sensation in the eyes.

• Refractive changes: During pregnancy, hormonal shifts can temporarily alter the shape and thickness of the cornea, leading to blurred vision or changes in myopia or astigmatism.

• Light sensitivity and eye fatigue: Hormonal fluctuations during stages such as menstruation or pregnancy may cause increased photophobia and visual tiredness.

• Higher risk of certain eye diseases: Conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which involve hormonal imbalance, can be linked to problems like thyroid eye disease.

Life stages and vision

• Adolescence: Puberty, marked by an increase in sex hormones, may be associated with refractive changes and a higher risk of progressive myopia.

• Pregnancy: In addition to visual variations, eyelid swelling and increased eye sensitivity may occur. These changes are usually temporary and disappear after childbirth.

• Menopause: This is one of the stages where hormonal effects on the eyes are most evident, mainly dry eye.

• Endocrine diseases: Conditions such as diabetes are also related to hormonal alterations that affect the retina and can lead to serious complications if not controlled.

Whenever vision changes occur during a stage of hormonal imbalance, it is essential to undergo an eye examination. Maintaining overall medical care, proper hydration, and a healthy lifestyle contributes to protecting eye health.