What is the relationship retinal affects with menopause ?
The relationship between retinal effects and menopause is multifaceted, involving changes in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness, intraocular pressure (IOP), and retinal blood flow, all influenced by the hormonal shifts occurring during menopause. Studies comparing reproductive age and postmenopausal women found no significant difference in RNFL and GCC values when adjusted for age and body mass index (BMI), although a longer postmenopausal period was associated with higher RNFL and GCC values, suggesting a complex interaction between menopause duration and retinal structure. The deficiency of estradiol during menopause is considered a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, including optic neuropathies, with evidence showing that estrogen deprivation increases the susceptibility of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to damage. Further, postmenopausal women have been shown to exhibit significantly decreased choroidal thickness compared to premenopausal women, indicating a potential reduction in estrogen-dependent vasodilatory effects in ophthalmic vessels. Texture analysis of the retina has revealed that sex-related differences, likely tied to hormonal changes during menopause, can affect the retina's structure. Additionally, early menopause has been identified as an independent risk factor for the development of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and retinal artery occlusion (RAO), suggesting that the timing of menopause can influence retinal health. Research also indicates that postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) may increase retinal and optic nerve head (ONH) blood flow, potentially offering protective benefits to retinal structure and function. This is supported by findings that estrogen has vasodilatory effects, which may influence ocular hemodynamics and visual function post-menopause. Lastly, a study found that postmenopausal women are at an increased risk of developing elevated IOP and thinner RNFL compared to premenopausal women, further highlighting the impact of menopause on ocular health. These findings collectively underscore the significant yet complex relationship between menopause and retinal health, influenced by hormonal changes, estrogen levels, and potentially mitigated by hormone replacement therapy.
Answers from top 9 papers
Papers (9) | Insight |
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Menopause may impact retinal function due to estrogen receptor presence in retinal tissue, potentially affecting ocular vasculature and visual function in postmenopausal women. | |
75 Citations | Postmenopausal hormone therapy increases retinal blood flow and protects the retinal nerve fiber layer, indicating a positive impact on retinal health during menopause. |
Not addressed in the paper. | |
Surgical menopause accelerates retinal neurodegeneration, particularly affecting retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and interneurons, worsening optic nerve viability and visual function in rat models of optic neuropathy. | |
Early menopause increases the risk of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and retinal artery occlusion (RAO) according to the nationwide cohort study, suggesting a significant association between menopause and retinal vascular issues. | |
21 Dec 2022 | Menopausal status influences choroidal thickness, not retinal thickness. Postmenopausal women had thinner choroid, suggesting reduced estrogen-dependent vasodilation in ophthalmic vessels. Retinal thickness was not directly addressed in the study. |
Menopause does not significantly affect retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex thickness, but a longer postmenopausal period is associated with higher values. | |
Menopausal transition affects sexual dimorphism in the human retina, linked to hormonal changes. Texture analysis of optical coherence tomography data highlights these differences, suggesting potential biomarkers for retinal physiology. | |
1 Citations | Menopause duration correlates with increased retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex thickness, indicating a potential impact on retinal health post-menopause. |