9 min

20 Common Eye Myths Debunked By an Eye Surgeon

SCIENTIFIC CO-FOUNDERS AT MTHK, DAWN SIM & ALEX IONIDES, OPHTHALMIC SURGEONS AT MOORFIELDS EYE HOSPITAL

Introduction

Although age increases your risk of serious eye disease and other eye problems, losing your eyesight does not need not go hand in hand with growing older. There are simple practical steps you can take to protect against or delay impairment to your eyesight. It is estimated that nearly 50% of all blindness can be avoided or treated.

As you grow older, regular eye tests form the bedrock of good eye health. People who have a family history of eye disease or other risk factors should have eye tests more often. Don't wait until your eyesight deteriorates before you have an eye test. One eye can often compensate for the other while an eye condition progresses. Eye tests can often detect eye condition in the early stages.

Check Your Eye Health - 60-Second Eye Test

“Directly staring at the sun can cause a condition called solar retinopathy, which is damage to the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain.”

PROFESSOR DAWN SIM, CONSULTANT OPHTHALMIC SURGEON AT MOORFIELDS EYE HOSPITAL, CO-FOUNDER AT MTHK.

Can sitting too close to the TV really damage your eyes?

The origin of this myth can be traced back to the 1960s when General Electric (GE) briefly produced some colour television sets that emitted excessive radiation levels. Although this issue was quickly resolved, the myth persisted.
Let's discuss the reasons why sitting close to the TV does not damage your eyes:

No harmful radiation: Modern televisions, including LED, LCD, and OLED screens, do not emit dangerous levels of radiation that can cause damage to the eyes. They are designed to meet strict safety standards and guidelines to ensure they do not pose any risk to viewers.
Eye strain and temporary discomfort: Sitting close to the TV can cause eye strain, which is the discomfort experienced when the eyes become tired after focusing on a screen for an extended period. Eye strain can lead to Dry Eyes, irritation, Blurry Vision, or headaches. However, these symptoms are temporary and usually resolve once you take a break or change focus. Eye strain does not cause any permanent damage to the eyes.
Accommodative and convergence stress: When you sit close to a screen, your eyes must converge (turn inwards) and accommodate (change focus) to maintain a clear image. This process can cause stress on the eye muscles, which can be uncomfortable but does not result in any long-term damage to the eyes.
Children's developing vision: Young children have more flexible eye muscles, allowing them to focus on objects at close distances without much difficulty. Although it is a common belief that sitting too close to the TV may lead to nearsightedness (myopia) in children, research has shown that genetics and other factors, such as the lack of outdoor activities, play a more significant role in the development of myopia.

How Screen Time Affects Children

Does reading in dim light harm your eyes?

While reading in low light can lead to temporary eye strain and discomfort, it does not result in long-term damage to your eyes or deterioration of your eyesight.
Knowing how the human eye functions are essential to understand why this is a myth. The eye consists of several parts that work together to enable vision. The cornea, lens, and retina are the critical components involved in seeing.

Cornea: The transparent, curved outer layer at the front of the eye, responsible for focusing light.
Lens: A transparent, flexible structure that changes shape to focus on objects at varying distances.
Retina: A light-sensitive tissue lining the inner surface of the eye, containing photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) that convert light into electrical signals.
When you read in dim light, your eyes have to work harder to focus and discern the text, as there is less contrast between the text and the background. The muscles that control the lens must contract more to help focus on the text, and the pupil must dilate to allow more light into the eye. This can lead to eye strain, discomfort, and fatigue.
However, these effects are temporary and reversible. Once you stop reading in dim light and give your eyes a chance to rest, they will return to normal without permanent damage.

What is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)?

Do carrots improve your eyesight?

While it is true that carrots contain important nutrients that support overall eye health, they cannot drastically improve eyesight or cure vision problems.
The idea that carrots can improve vision is based on the fact that they are a rich source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for overall eye health and plays a crucial role in maintaining good vision. It contributes to the formation of the light-sensitive photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) in the retina and the production of the pigment rhodopsin, which is essential for low-light vision.
A vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness. In this condition, an individual has difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. In such cases, increasing the intake of foods rich in vitamin A, like carrots, can help alleviate the symptoms. However, this only applies to individuals who have a vitamin A deficiency. Consuming more carrots or other vitamin A-rich foods for those with normal vitamin A levels will not significantly improve their vision.
It is important to note that a well-balanced diet, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, can support overall eye health and help prevent age-related eye diseases such as Age-related Macular Degeneration and Cataracts. Carrots and other colourful vegetables like spinach, kale, and peppers are beneficial for maintaining good eye health due to their rich antioxidant content.

Eat Right, See Right - Nutrition For Your Eyes

Can eye exercises enhance your vision?

While specific eye exercises may help alleviate eye strain and discomfort, particularly in Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) or Dry Eyes, they cannot correct refractive errors or other underlying eye conditions.
Refractive errors, such as Nearsightedness (Myopia), Farsightedness (Hyperopia), and Astigmatism, are common vision problems. They occur due to irregularities in the eye, cornea, or lens shape that cause light to be focused incorrectly on the retina. They are structural and typically require corrective lenses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery to improve vision. These issues cannot be resolved through eye exercises.
Eye exercises may temporarily relieve eye strain resulting from prolonged use of digital devices, reading, or other close-up work. Techniques like the 20-20-20 rule (looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) or palming can help to relax the eye muscles and reduce eye strain. However, these exercises do not address the root cause of the vision problem, nor do they lead to permanent improvements in eyesight.
In some cases, eye exercises may be prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist as part of a vision therapy program for specific eye conditions, such as convergence insufficiency, amblyopia, or strabismus. However, it is essential to note that these exercises are tailored to the individual and the specific condition, and they should be done under the guidance of an eye care professional. These specialised exercises do not provide a universal solution for improving vision in general.

Exercises To Help With Eye Strain

“The average person blinks about 10 to 20 times per minute. Too much or excessive blinking is not typically harmful to the eyes. However, it may indicate an underlying issue, such as dry eyes, eye strain, allergies, or a neurological condition.”

PROFESSOR MARCUS FRUTTIGER, UCL & MOORFIELDS EYE HOSPITAL, CO-FOUNDER AT MTHK.

Do glasses or contacts weaken your eyes over time?

Corrective eyewear, such as glasses and Contact Lenses, is designed to help individuals with refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and Astigmatism see more clearly by compensating for the irregularities in the shape of the eye, cornea, or lens.
The misconception that wearing glasses or contact lenses can weaken your eyes may stem from the perception that people become more reliant on them over time. In reality, this perceived reliance is usually a result of the natural progression of refractive errors or age-related changes in the eyes rather than the corrective eyewear itself.
Wearing glasses or contact lenses does not change the eye's structure or the refractive error's underlying cause. When you use corrective eyewear, it corrects your vision. It lets you see more clearly, making you aware of the contrast between your uncorrected and corrected vision. As a result, you may feel that your vision has become more dependent on your glasses or contact lenses, but this is due to increased awareness of your vision improvement rather than any weakening of your eyes.

Complete Guide to Contact Lenses

Is prolonged smartphone or computer use bad for your eyes?

Prolonged use of digital devices, such as smartphones and computers, can lead to Digital Eye Strain or Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), which includes symptoms like eye discomfort, Dry Eyes, Blurred Vision, and headaches. However, these symptoms are temporary and reversible, not resulting in long-term eye damage.
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) occurs when you use digital devices for extended periods without taking breaks. The close proximity of the screens and the constant shifting of focus between the device and the surroundings can cause eye strain. Additionally, the Blue Light emitted by screens can cause visual discomfort and disrupt sleep patterns. Still, it does not cause permanent damage to the eyes.
To alleviate and prevent digital eye strain, you can adopt the measures described in our guide - What is Computer Vision Syndrome.

Healthy Screen Time Tips

Can rubbing your eyes cause eye damage?

It is important to note that excessively or aggressively rubbing your eyes can lead to some eye issues and complications, especially if done over an extended period or if your hands are not clean.
Occasionally rubbing your eyes gently is harmless and may temporarily relieve itching or discomfort. Nonetheless, persistent or forceful eye rubbing can cause several problems, including:

Keratoconus: Excessive eye rubbing can, in rare cases, contribute to the development or progression of keratoconus, a condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted vision.
Infections: Rubbing your eyes with unclean hands can introduce bacteria or viruses, increasing the risk of infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Corneal abrasions: Aggressive rubbing can scratch the cornea, causing discomfort, redness, and light sensitivity.
Dark Circles under your eyes and wrinkles: Excessive eye rubbing can cause the skin around the eyes to darken or contribute to the formation of wrinkles due to the stretching and tugging of the delicate skin.
Intraocular pressure increase: Forceful eye rubbing can temporarily elevate intraocular pressure, which, over time, could potentially increase the risk of developing Glaucoma, particularly in predisposed individuals.
Be mindful of how often and how hard you rub your eyes. If you experience persistent itching or discomfort, consulting an eye care professional is better than resorting to frequent eye rubbing. They can determine the underlying cause of the pain and provide appropriate treatment or recommendations.

How To Stop Rubbing Itchy Eyes

Does glaucoma only affect the elderly?

Although age is a significant risk factor for Glaucoma, and the prevalence of the disease increases with age, Glaucoma can affect individuals of all ages, including infants, children, and young adults.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterised by damage to the optic nerve, often resulting from increased intraocular pressure. If left untreated, Glaucoma can lead to progressive vision loss and blindness.
There are several types of Glaucoma, and they can affect people of different ages:

Primary open-angle Glaucoma: is the most common type of Glaucoma, typically affecting older individuals but it can also occur in younger adults.
Normal-tension Glaucoma: This form of Glaucoma occurs even when the intraocular pressure is within the normal range. It can affect people of various ages.
Angle-closure Glaucoma: This type of Glaucoma can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic) and affect middle-aged or older adults. However, it can also develop in younger individuals, especially those with a family history of the disease or specific anatomical predispositions.
Secondary Glaucoma: This type results from another eye condition or injury and can affect people of any age.
Congenital Glaucoma: This rare form of Glaucoma is present at birth and is caused by the improper development of the eye's drainage system during pregnancy.
Juvenile Glaucoma: This type of Glaucoma affects children and young adults, typically between the ages of 3 and 30.

What Is Glaucoma?

“Up to 80% of UV radiation can penetrate cloud cover and reach the ground on cloudy or overcast days. Snow, water, and sand can also reflect and intensify UV radiation, increasing the need for sunglasses even in less sunny conditions.”

PROFESSOR MARCUS FRUTTIGER, UCL & MOORFIELDS EYE HOSPITAL, CO-FOUNDER AT MTHK.

This statement is a fact - not a myth.
Directly staring at the sun can cause a condition called solar retinopathy, which is damage to the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. The sun emits intense Ultraviolet (UV) Light, which can harm the retinal cells when it is focused on the retina for an extended period.
The damage from solar retinopathy can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity and duration of the exposure. Symptoms of solar retinopathy may include blurry vision, a blind spot in the centre of your visual field, light sensitivity, or distorted vision. In extreme cases, significant damage can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness.
It is important to note that the risk of solar retinopathy increases significantly during solar eclipses. People may be tempted to look at the partially obscured sun without appropriate eye protection. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays during an eclipse. You should use certified solar eclipse glasses or viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard to observe a solar eclipse safely.

Protect Your Eyes From Ultraviolet (UV) Light Damage

Can Laser Eye Surgery fix all types of vision problems?

While Laser Eye Surgery/LASIK can be highly effective in correcting refractive errors like Nearsightedness (Myopia), Farsightedness (Hyperopia), and Astigmatism. However, it is not a universal solution for all vision problems.
LASIK surgery works by reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to improve how light is focused on the retina.
Furthermore, LASIK surgery does not address other eye conditions or age-related vision changes, such as:

Presbyopia: This age-related condition occurs when the eye's lens loses flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close-up objects. Presbyopia typically affects individuals over 40 and requires reading glasses or multifocal lenses for correction. While some specialised LASIK procedures, such as monovision LASIK, can help with presbyopia, they may not be suitable for everyone.
Cataracts: LASIK surgery does not treat cataracts, which is the clouding of the eye's natural lens that causes blurred vision and glare. Cataract surgery is required to replace the cloudy lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Glaucoma: LASIK does not address glaucoma, a group of eye diseases characterised by damage to the optic nerve, often resulting from increased intraocular pressure. Glaucoma is typically treated with eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
Age-related Macular Degeneration: LASIK cannot treat macular degeneration, a progressive eye disease that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. Treatments for macular degeneration may include lifestyle changes, AREDS 2 based nutritional supplements, laser therapy, or injections, depending on the type and severity of the condition.

Complete Guide to Laser Eye Surgery

Is it normal for vision to deteriorate with age?

While not everyone will experience significant vision changes as they age, it is common for individuals to develop age-related vision issues. Ageing can affect various structures within the eye, leading to decreased visual function. Regular eye examinations, especially as you age, are important to detect and address age-related vision changes and conditions early.
Some common age-related vision changes and conditions include:

Presbyopia: is a normal age-related condition that occurs when the eye's lens loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close-up objects. Presbyopia typically affects individuals over 40 and requires reading glasses or multifocal lenses for correction.
Cataracts: The eye's natural lens may become cloudy over time, leading to the development of cataracts. Cataracts cause blurred vision, glare, and a decline in contrast sensitivity. While they can affect individuals of any age, cataracts are more common in older adults. Cataract surgery can effectively treat this condition.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): This progressive eye disease affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. AMD can cause gradual central vision loss and can be classified as dry or wet AMD. While there is no cure for AMD, early detection and certain treatments can help slow its progression.
Glaucoma: This group of eye diseases is characterised by damage to the optic nerve, often resulting from increased intraocular pressure. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to vision loss and even blindness. While glaucoma can affect individuals of any age, the risk increases as you age.
Diabetic Retinopathy: This eye complication can develop in individuals with diabetes, and the risk increases with the duration of the disease. Diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss due to damage to the blood vessels in the retina.

Does Blue Light from screens damage your eyes?

This is a subject of ongoing debate and research. Some studies suggest that excessive exposure to Blue Light, particularly from digital screens, might negatively affect our eyes and overall health. In contrast, other studies do not show significant evidence of direct damage to the eyes.
Blue light is a high-energy, short-wavelength light emitted by digital screens, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions. While Blue Light is a natural part of the visible light spectrum and is present in sunlight, our increased exposure to digital screens has raised concerns about the potential effects on our eyes and health.
There are several potential concerns related to Blue Light exposure:

Digital Eye Strain (or Computer Vision Syndrome): Prolonged exposure to digital screens can lead to digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms include dry eyes, eye strain, headache, Blurred Vision, and neck or shoulder pain. These symptoms are mainly attributed to prolonged focusing on screens and reduced blinking rate rather than Blue Light exposure.
Sleep disruption: Blue Light exposure in the evening can interfere with the body's production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep or disrupted sleep patterns.
Retinal damage: There is some debate and ongoing research regarding whether excessive Blue Light exposure may contribute to retinal damage and increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the evidence on this issue is not conclusive.

How Blue Light Affects Your Eyes & Sleep

Do you need to wear sunglasses only on sunny days?

While it is essential to wear sunglasses on bright, sunny days to protect your eyes from harmful Ultraviolet (UV) Light, it is also important to wear them in other conditions, as Ultraviolet (UV) Light can still be present even on cloudy or overcast days.
Ultraviolet (UV) Light from the sun can damage your eyes, increasing the risk of Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, and other eye conditions. Wearing sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection is crucial in shielding your eyes from these harmful rays.
Up to 80% of UV radiation can penetrate the cloud cover and reach the ground on cloudy or overcast days. Snow, water, and sand can also reflect and intensify UV radiation, increasing the need for sunglasses even in less sunny conditions.
In addition, wearing sunglasses in various weather conditions can help protect your eyes from other elements, such as wind, dust, and debris. Polarised sunglasses can also improve visual comfort by reducing glare, which can be especially helpful while driving or participating in outdoor activities.

Protect Your Eyes From Ultraviolet (UV) Light Damage

Are regular eye tests unnecessary if you have good vision?

Even if you have good eyesight, it is essential to have regular eye exams as they play a crucial role in maintaining your overall eye health and detecting potential eye conditions early.
Eye tests are not only for checking your vision and updating your eyeglasses or Contact Lens prescription; they also involve a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health. During an eye exam, the eye care professional can identify early signs of eye conditions, such as Glaucoma, Cataracts, Age-related Macular Degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, which may not have noticeable symptoms in their early stages.
Early detection and intervention can help prevent or slow the progression of these conditions, reducing the risk of vision loss or complications. Additionally, regular eye exams can sometimes reveal underlying health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, which can manifest as changes in the eye.
The frequency of eye exams depends on your age, risk factors, and the advice of your eye care professional.
Generally, adults should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years. In contrast, those over 60, with a family history of eye conditions, or with specific health issues like diabetes should have annual eye exams. Children should also have regular eye exams to monitor their vision development and detect problems affecting their learning and overall well-being.

Will staying indoors make children short-sighted?

This is an oversimplification, but there is some truth to it. Short-sightedness, or myopia, is a refractive error where close objects appear clear, but distant objects appear blurry. Research has shown a correlation between the time children spend outdoors and the development or progression of myopia.
Although the exact cause of myopia is not fully understood, it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studies have suggested that spending more time outdoors can protect against myopia, reducing the risk of its onset or slowing its progression in children. The exact mechanism behind this is not completely clear. Still, it is thought to be related to exposure to natural light and the practice of focusing on distant objects while outdoors.
It is essential to note that spending time indoors alone does not directly cause myopia. However, children who spend more time indoors are often involved in near-work activities, such as reading, using computers, or playing video games, which may contribute to myopia development. On the other hand, staying indoors typically means less exposure to natural light and less time spent focusing on distant objects.
It is crucial to encourage children to spend more time outdoors and engage in various activities, including focusing on distant objects, to help maintain their eye health and possibly reduce the risk of myopia. However, children who stay indoors are not guaranteed to develop short-sightedness.

How Screen Time Affects Children

Can contact lenses get lost behind your eyes?

The structure of the eye prevents Contact Lenses from getting lost or slipping behind your eyes.
The eye is protected by a thin membrane called the conjunctiva, which covers the white part of the eye (the sclera) and lines the inside of the eyelids. The conjunctiva connects the eyelids to the eyeball, creating a barrier that prevents objects, such as contact lenses, from moving behind the eye.
While a contact lens can become displaced or move slightly off the cornea, it cannot travel far. It will still be confined to the front part of the eye, between the eyelids and the conjunctiva. In most cases, you can easily reposition or remove the contact lens by gently manipulating your eyelids or using eye drops to help lubricate the eye and facilitate the lens's movement.
If you're struggling to remove a displaced contact lens, it's important to stay calm and contact your eye specialist for help.

Complete Guide to Contact Lenses

“When you read in a moving vehicle, your eyes must constantly adjust to the changing focal points and the vehicle's motion, which can lead to eye strain, fatigue, and headaches. Furthermore, the difference between what your eyes see (the static text) and your body's motion can lead to motion sickness, causing dizziness and nausea.”

ALEX IONIDES, CONSULTANT OPHTHALMIC SURGEON AT MOORFIELDS EYE HOSPITAL, CO-FOUNDER AT MTHK.

Do eyelash extensions damage your natural lashes and eyes?

This is a fact, depending on the circumstances surrounding the application, maintenance, and removal of the eyelash extensions.
Eyelash extensions involve attaching synthetic or natural hair fibres to your natural eyelashes using a special adhesive to create a longer and fuller appearance. If applied, maintained, and removed correctly by a trained and skilled professional, eyelash extensions may pose minimal risk to your natural lashes and eyes. However, certain factors and makeup can contribute to damage:

Poor application: If the extensions are not applied correctly, they can cause tension on your natural lashes, leading to breakage or even permanent damage to the hair follicle, which may result in the inability to grow new lashes in the affected area.
Heavy extensions: Using extensions that are too heavy or long can put extra strain on your natural lashes, causing them to weaken, break, or fall out.
Allergic reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to the adhesive used to attach the extensions, resulting in itching, redness, and swelling around the eyes. This can lead to more serious eye infections or complications in severe cases.
Poor maintenance & removal: Incorrect or aggressive removal of extensions can cause damage to your natural lashes or even injure your eyes. It is crucial to follow the professional's aftercare instructions and have the extensions removed properly.
Infections: Unsanitary conditions or tools during the application process can introduce bacteria or fungi, increasing the risk of infections like conjunctivitis or eyelid inflammation (Blepharitis).

Makeup & Eye Health

Do Cataracts only affect older people?

While age-related Cataracts are the most common type and predominantly affect older individuals, cataracts can also occur in younger people for various reasons.
Cataracts are the clouding of the eye's natural lens, leading to blurry or dim vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night. Age-related cataracts develop as a part of the natural ageing process, as proteins within the lens break down and clump together. However, cataracts can also develop due to other factors and affect people of all ages, including children and infants.
Some of the factors that can cause cataracts in younger individuals include:

Congenital Cataracts: Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them during early childhood due to genetic factors, infections during pregnancy, or metabolic disorders.
Traumatic Cataracts: Eye injuries can cause cataracts to develop in people of any age.
Secondary Cataracts: Medical conditions, such as diabetes, or using certain medications, like corticosteroids, can increase the risk of cataract development.
Radiation-induced Cataracts: Exposure to radiation, particularly from cancer treatments, can lead to cataract formation.

Cataracts - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Should you avoid Contact Lenses if you have Dry Eyes?

This is not entirely accurate. While it is true that wearing Contact Lenses can exacerbate dry eye symptoms in some individuals, it doesn't mean that people with dry eyes must altogether avoid wearing them. The compatibility of contact lenses with Dry Eyes depends on the severity of the condition, the type of contact lenses, and proper eye care practices.
Several contact lens options are designed to improve comfort and reduce dryness for individuals with mild to moderate Dry Eye symptoms. For example, soft Contact Lenses made from silicone hydrogel materials allow more oxygen to reach the cornea and retain moisture better than traditional hydrogel lenses. Daily disposable Contact Lenses can also be a good option for those with Dry Eyes, as they reduce the chance of protein and lipid deposits that can cause discomfort.
Additionally, using preservative-free, lubricating eye drops and sprays specifically formulated for Contact Lens wearers can help alleviate dry eye symptoms while wearing lenses. It is crucial to follow your eye specialist's recommendations regarding the type of Contact Lenses, proper lens care, and eye drops best suited for your eyes and dry eye condition.
In some cases, if Dry Eyes are severe or do not improve with the appropriate Contact Lenses and Eye Drops, it may be necessary to avoid wearing Contact Lenses and consider glasses or corrective Laser Eye Surgery.

Your Complete Guide To Dry Eyes

Do you get eye floaters during Perimenopause & Menopause?

Eye floaters are tiny specks or cobweb-like strands that float around in your field of vision. They are tiny pieces of debris floating in your vitreous humour - a gel-like substance that fills the back of the eye. While they can be annoying, they are usually harmless and a common part of ageing. However, the hormonal changes that occur during Perimenopause can exacerbate the occurrence of eye floaters.

Oestrogen has anti-inflammatory properties and is crucial in maintaining the eyes’ health. A decline in oestrogen levels during Perimenopause can lead to inflammation and thinning of the vitreous humour, making it more susceptible to degeneration and the formation of floaters. Additionally, lower oestrogen levels can lead to a reduction in the production of collagen. This protein helps maintain the structure of the vitreous humour. This can cause the vitreous humour to become more liquid and less gel-like, allowing debris to move around more freely and become more noticeable as floaters.

While the appearance of a few new floaters is usually nothing to be concerned about, a sudden increase in the number of floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes of light or a loss of peripheral vision, could indicate a more severe problem, such as a retinal detachment, and should be evaluated by an eye care professional immediately.

How Does Menopause Affects Your Eyes?