British eyewear company Vision Express stays committed to furthering eye health for customers in the UK. As reported by Optometry Today, Vision Express seeks to raise awareness of the effects of menopause on eye health and well-being. Part of this initiative is the company’s plans to launch a pilot to train eye care professionals on menopause and its effects on eye health.
The announcement follows recent findings from Vision Express indicating that three in 10 British women over 45 feel healthcare providers do not fully understand menopause symptoms. In the survey of 4,000 women in the UK over 45, 41% of those who have experienced potential menopausal symptoms reported putting off the doctor’s visit despite wanting support, and 42% of those who avoided their doctor stated they were afraid their symptoms would be dismissed. Another 33% felt their doctor would not understand menopause well enough.
More importantly, Vision Express’ findings raise much-needed awareness about the link between menopause and women’s eye health. Of those surveyed, over a third were unaware that blurred vision (38%) and dry eye syndrome (37%) could be symptoms of menopause. Only 26% of survey participants who experienced menopause reported feeling scared about their eyesight.
About Vision Express
Vision Express is an optical retailer that opened in the UK in 1988 and quickly grew to over 220 stores by 2007. Today, there are 575 clinics throughout the UK, Jersey, and Ireland, many of which are under joint venture partnerships. Outside the UK, Vision Express is also in Poland, operating over 110 clinics, and in India through a series of clinics in collaboration with Reliance.
With over 30 years of experience, Vision Express offers an unparalleled level of customer service and goes beyond simple vision tests. The company’s Advanced Eye Test includes an eye health screening to detect eye conditions early, a UV protection assessment, a dry eye assessment, and personalised advice to cater to varying customer needs and preferences. Vision Express also sells a wide range of eyewear, from affordable brands of contact lenses to sunglasses from top designers.
Recently, the eyewear company saw multiple renovations and refits in branches across the UK to revamp its brick-and-mortar locations and better serve customers. One of the major projects includes renovating its flagship store on London’s Oxford Street, boasting a bright, contemporary, and warm environment. The renovation is part of the company’s commitment to providing accessible, cutting-edge eye care and top eyewear options to customers. In 2023, the company’s Fresheny Place Shopping Centre branch relocated its shop to ensure customers could still access eyewear needs while the new location was being refitted.
Menopause and eye health
Vision Express’ initiative is an essential step forward for promoting women’s eye health and the effects of menopause. One such effect of menopause on eye health is blurry vision and dry eyes. Research over the years has found that decreasing oestrogen levels can affect the corneas of our eyes, resulting in temporary blurred vision. Meanwhile, the androgen hormone decreases after menopause, affecting the amount of tears produced.
Finally, another harmful effect of menopause on eye health is the development of glaucoma. While research remains inconclusive, data from Glaucoma UK indicates that older women and older men are almost even in terms of glaucoma risk. However, at younger ages, men seem to have a higher chance of developing glaucoma. This difference appears to even out after the average age of menopause, which raises the question of whether or not some of the female reproductive hormones may be protective against glaucoma. Additional research is required to conclude whether this is the case, but regardless, women approaching midlife should include eye care in their overall health and wellness plans.
A Cardiff University study notes that mental health issues may emerge during this time for women, as the risk of developing bipolar disorder increases by 112% during the perimenopausal period, while the incidence of major depressive disorder likewise increased by 30%. This, combined with potential eye issues that may emerge, suggests that women should receive ample support as they prepare for menopause.
Julian Carter, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
