Johnson & Johnson has collaborated with USA Today to create an educational infographic spotlighting an often-overlooked part of healthy aging: how hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect vision. As hormones begin to shift, for many, starting in their 40s, dryness, blurry vision, and other subtle changes can emerge and affect every day life1. Yet routine eye exams are still often left out of the healthy aging conversation. This collaboration builds on Johnson & Johnson’s broader work to reframe how we think about vision by encouraging practical steps like regular eye checks and positioning eye care as a core part of holistic healthy aging.
The Importance of Eye Exams and Aging Well
Many women prioritize glowing skin, daily movement, and mindful nutrition as part of aging well. But there’s one essential self care step that’s often overlooked: the annual eye exam.
The takeaway is simple:
Taking care of our eyes is an empowering part of daily self-care.
Designed to inform and empower consumers, the infographic highlights common signs of vision changes that often occur at the same time as menopause, such as presbyopia and cataracts.
- Presbyopia: A progressive condition that impacts more than 1 billion people globally, making it more difficult to focus on close-up objects3.
- Cataracts: The leading cause of preventable blindness in the world4, clouds the lens of the eye and blurs vision5.
Beyond symptom awareness, it reinforces the value of routine eye exams and opens conversations with eye care professionals. Eye exams can offer benefits beyond vision correction: a comprehensive exam can reveal signs of more than 270 systemic health conditions6, underscoring its role in preventive care. When eye health becomes a routine habit—like annual physicals or dental checkups—it can help support long-term health, confidence and independence.
Expert perspective: Eye exams enable confidence and independence
“Protecting your vision is about more than improved sight alone. It’s about safeguarding your confidence and serving as a powerful tool in healthy aging,” said optometrist, Dr. Danielle Richardson. “When individuals feel secure in their ability to navigate the world, stay active and connect with others, their overall well-being improves.”
Take action: Make eye exams part of your healthy-aging routine
- Schedule a comprehensive eye exam: Early detection and treatment can help reduce the impact of eye disease and preserve sight.
- Explore modern solutions: From multifocal contact lenses for presbyopia to advanced intraocular lenses for cataracts.
- Talk to a doctor: Don’t wait for vision problems to impact your quality of life.
To find an eye care professional near you, visit our Doctor Finder.
View the USA Today infographic on vision changes during perimenopause and menopause.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. “How Hormones Can Affect Eyes and Vision.” Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/how-hormones-can-affect-eyes-vision
- Johnson & Johnson. Vision Made Possible International Survey.
- InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWIG): 2006-. "Presbyopia: overview." Updated June 4, 2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK423833/ (REF2020CT4319)
- World Health Organization. “Blindness and vision impairment.” Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment
- National Eye Institute. “Cataracts.” Available at: https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts. Accessed November 2024.
- American Optometric Association. “See the Full Picture of Your Health with an Annual Comprehensive Eye Exam.” Available at: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/full-picture-of-eye-health