Eye Health UK launches #VisionAndMenopause campaign

Eye Health UK has launched a new campaign to mark World Menopause Day (18 October), highlighting the link between the menopause and eye health.

This comes after research commissioned by Eye Health UK, in collaboration with the Thomas Pocklington Trust, found that 86% of women were unaware of a connection between menopause and eye health.

The findings formed part of the Testing the Nation’s Eye Q report, which was based on the results of a survey of more than 2000 UK Adults conducted on behalf of the charities. Read more findings from the report here.

The #VisionAndMenopause campaign will run across digital and social media channels, sharing information about hormonal dry eye and increased risks of eye irritation caused by blepharitis, as well as highlighting that there can be an association between fluctuating oestrogen levels and the onset or progression of eye conditions like glaucoma and cataracts.

Key messages will include reminders that regular eye tests are essential health checks and encouraging the public to speak to an optometrist about changes to their vision or any eye health issues.

The campaign will also illustrate simple self-care tips to help minimise eye irritation and discomfort.

Trustee of Eye Health UK and optometrist, Rosie Gavzey, commented: “There’s a huge array of menopause symptoms, but few women make the connection between menopause and poor eye health.”

“We hope that our #VisionAndMenopause campaign will inspire menopausal women to keep up-to-date with their routine eye tests and seek clinical advice if they experience issues with their eye health,” she added.