Focus in Flux: Navigating Vision Changes During Menstruation

Antara Chakraborty, M.Optom

Lecturer, Acharya institute of allied health sciences, Bengaluru, India

 

Menstruation has a major effect on several physiological processes, including eyesight.⁽¹⁾ Variations in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, specifically in relation to oestrogen and progesterone, can impair the accommodative function of the eye and cause pain in the eyes. This blog delves into the scientific rationale for these modifications and offers suggestions for handling accommodative disorders.

Hormonal Influence on Vision:

Ocular physiology is regulated by progesterone and oestrogen levels, which fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. The muscles that modify the curvature of the lens to focus on things at various distances are influenced by these hormones. While having a menstrual cycle:

1. Diminished Accommodative Capacity: Elevated levels of oestrogen can modify the fluid dynamics within the eye, impacting the curvature of the lens and undermining its capacity to adapt for close vision
2. Enhanced Eye Strain: Progesterone’s ciliary muscle relaxation action might reduce the eye’s sharp focus capacity, resulting in blurred vision and eye strain.
3. Symptoms: During menstruation, many women report headaches, trouble focusing on close tasks, and overall visual discomfort.

High oestrogen levels can promote fluid retention, altering the curvature of the cornea and lens and so changing light refraction. Increased progesterone levels can relax the ciliary muscles responsible for accommodation, lowering the eye’s focusing power. Furthermore, hormonal fluctuations might alter tear production and stability, resulting in dry eyes and worsening visual problems.^(1,2)

Research Insights:

Modifications in accommodative function over the menstrual cycle were assessed in cross-sectional research involving sixty female college students, ages 18 to 24. Significant effects of hormonal variations, especially during menstruation, were found in the research. Results showed that a significant number of participants had impaired accommodative function, with 66.6% showing a decreased amplitude of accommodation (averaging 7.1±2 dioptres) during menstruation. In addition, 76.6% of participants had much less accommodating facilities, whilst 63.3% had insufficient accommodations. Additionally, 66.7% of the participants mentioned experiencing symptoms including headaches, irritation, poor focus, difficulties reading, and impaired vision throughout their menstrual cycle. These results demonstrate how menstrual cycle phases affect visual function, emphasising the need for more study and education in the management of visual symptoms related to hormonal changes in young people.⁽¹⁾

Managing Accommodative Dysfunction:

Image courtesy: https://visionhelp.com/vision-and-learning/accommodations-3-asthe-triple-play-for-reading-and-learning/

To address accommodative dysfunction during menstruation, the following techniques are suggested: ⁽³⁾

1. Periodic Eye Examinations: Regular check-ups with an optometrist can help monitor and resolve visual problems caused by the menstrual cycle.
2. Corrective Lenses: Prescription lenses designed to accommodate specific needs can help ease symptoms
3. Hydration and Nutrition: Proper hydration and a well-balanced diet high in vital nutrients promote general eye health
4. Artificial Tears: Lubricating eye drops can help relieve dryness and irritation
5. Vision Therapy: Exercises that increase accommodative function might be useful.
6. Eye Rest and Breaks: Implementing frequent breaks during prolonged near tasks can reduce eye strain and discomfort.
7. Lighting and Ergonomics: Ensuring optimal lighting conditions and ergonomic setups for workspaces can minimise visual stress and improve comfort during menstruation.

Conclusion:

Hormonal variations during menstruation can have a considerable influence on accommodative function, causing eye discomfort and other symptoms. Individuals can maintain optimal eye health during the menstrual cycle by knowing these changes and using suitable management techniques. Regular eye exams and lifestyle changes are essential in reducing the consequences of accommodative dysfunction during menstruation.

 

References:

1. Mondal, A., & Babu, A. (2021). Accommodative Inertia in Menstruation. RGUHS Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 1(2).
2. Guttridge, N. M. (1994). Changes in ocular and visual variables during the menstrual cycle. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 14(1), 38-48.
3. Scheiman, M., & Wick, B. (2008). Clinical management of binocular vision: heterophoric, accommodative, and eye movement disorders. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.