A misunderstood life stage
Despite the fact that menopause affects nearly every woman at some point, awareness and understanding around it remain surprisingly low. New research commissioned by Vision Express found that a third of men have little to no understanding of their partner's menopause symptoms, and nearly a quarter believe hot flushes can be solved by simply opening a window.
Perhaps more concerning is that 80% of UK adults didn’t realise dry eyes can be a symptom of menopause, one that can often go undiagnosed if people don’t know to look for it.
“These findings starkly show the widespread lack of understanding surrounding perimenopause and the menopause, even the misconception that a hot flush is simply solved by ‘opening a window’,” said Dan McGhee, Director of Clinical Services at Vision Express.
Eye symptoms you might not expect
Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect the eyes in ways many people don't realise. Women may experience:
- Dry eyes
- Blurry vision
- Eye fatigue
- Light sensitivity
- Discomfort with contact lenses
These symptoms can be frustrating and are often overlooked. In fact, only 14% of those surveyed associated perimenopause with negative changes to eye health.
“Too often, women are left to navigate these changes without the support or information they deserve and we hope to change that,” added Dan McGhee, Director of Clinical Services at Vision Express.
Learn more about dry eyes.
We're taking action
To help bridge the knowledge gap, Vision Express is rolling out menopause awareness training across our stores. Our teams are being equipped with the understanding they need to support customers who may be experiencing menopausal symptoms, especially those that affect the eyes.
This initiative reflects our commitment to providing truly personalised eye care at every life stage. Whether you're experiencing blurry vision, dryness, or any other change, we’re here to help you feel seen, heard and supported.
Book an eye test today to get expert advice tailored to your needs.
Understanding the wider impact
The research also revealed how limited broader awareness of menopause remains:
- 57% of people had never heard of the term "perimenopause"
- Only 40% of men could name hot flushes as a symptom
- 44% of women didn’t realise mood swings can be linked to the menopause
- Only 23% of women have had in-depth conversations about it
Yet nearly 90% of people agree that everyone, regardless of gender, should understand the symptoms.
“This highlights the important role partners play in recognising the early signs of perimenopause and supporting throughout. Being aware of changes, including those affecting vision like dry eyes, allows for earlier support and proactive care,” said Dan McGhee, Director of Clinical Services at Vision Express.
Explore more eye health support from our experts.
Don’t ignore the signs
If you're noticing changes in your eyes, you're not alone and you don’t need to figure it out by yourself. Our team is here to support you with expert advice and care whenever you need it.