Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
07:11
Assessing Early Stage Open-Angle Glaucoma in Patients by Isolated-Check Visual Evoked Potential
Published on: May 25, 2020
Comparison of visual function and ocular hemodynamics between pre- and post-menopausal women
B A Siesky1, A Harris, C Patel
1Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA.
European Journal of Ophthalmology
|March 6, 2008
Summary
Menopause is linked to poorer vision and higher eye pressure. Postmenopausal women show decreased contrast sensitivity and elevated intraocular pressure compared to premenopausal women, despite similar ocular blood flow.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Reproductive Endocrinology
Background:
- Ocular disease incidence rises with age, often correlating with cardiovascular decline and increased intraocular pressure (IOP).
- Estrogen's vasodilatory role suggests its decline during menopause may impact ocular tissues, which possess estrogen receptors.
- Estrogen receptors are present in retinal and choroidal tissues, suggesting a potential role in menopause-related visual changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of menopause on visual function.
- To assess the impact of menopause on cardiovascular hemodynamics.
- To evaluate changes in ocular hemodynamics in relation to menopausal status.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of 12 premenopausal and 24 postmenopausal women.
- Vision screening included visual acuity and contrast sensitivity.
- Ocular hemodynamics assessed via blood pressure, heart rate, IOP, and retinal/retrobulbar blood flow imaging.
Main Results:
- Premenopausal women exhibited lower heart rate and systolic blood pressure.
- Significantly higher contrast sensitivity was observed in premenopausal women.
- Premenopausal women had lower intraocular pressure in both eyes; total ocular perfusion was comparable between groups.
Conclusions:
- Postmenopausal women demonstrate reduced contrast sensitivity and elevated IOP compared to premenopausal women.
- Premenopausal women present with lower cardiovascular risk factors.
- Ocular circulation remains similar between premenopausal and postmenopausal women in this cohort.
