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Hormones are chemicals that act as messengers to control activity throughout the body. They play a crucial role in several bodily functions, including vision. However, the imbalance of hormones can cause various vision problems that can worsen if left untreated. This article delves into the different hormones found within our body as well as their impact on vision.
The primary types of hormones that impact vision are sex and thyroid hormones. Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in males, although it can also be found in women. Testosterone affects bone and muscle mass, fat storage in males, red blood cell production, and mood. While it helps maintain proper function of the eye, this hormone does not have a strong correlation to any eye diseases. However, lower testosterone levels can lead to fatigue, resulting in blurry vision and other potential vision issues.
On the contrary, estrogen and progesterone are the main sex hormones in females. They are responsible for driving puberty, menstrual cycles, and pregnancy. Certain levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause vision issues, such as myopia due to the surge of estrogen that can affect distance vision during periods of high hormone production. Nonetheless, many women experience dry eyes during menopause because the fluctuation in estrogen levels can affect the production of tears and the quality of the tear film that keeps the eyes moist. As a result, women may also find it harder to wear contact lenses comfortably and may require eye drops to relieve this issue.
Furthermore, thyroid hormones play a vital role in body development, including that of the eyes. When the thyroid glands do not produce adequate hormones, diseases such as Grave’s disease and age-related macular degeneration can develop. This can be threatening to the eye, as there may be severe effects. For example, Grave’s disease attacks the thyroid gland and surrounding eye tissues, causing the eyes to bulge. Likewise, macular degeneration may result in blurry vision or in some cases, loss of vision.
Importantly, it is normal for hormones to fluctuate during periods of hormonal changes, such as during puberty and menopause. However, sudden changes in hormones may also indicate signs of diseases such as Grave’s disease and macular degeneration. Hence, booking an appointment with a doctor upon experiencing unexpected hormone changes can decrease the risk of damaging the eyes.
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