AAOpt 2026: Insights into perimenopause and presbyopia

Meredith Bishop, OD, MS, FAAO, Johnson & Johnson’s director of global medical education, discusses a poster presented at the American Academy of Optometry meeting in Anaheim, California about the relationship between perimenopause and presbyopia. The presentation coincides with the start of Perimenopause and Menopause Awareness Month.

The poster, titled "Perceptions of Linking Presbyopia with Perimenopause: A Survey of US Female Eye Care Professionals," draws on a survey of 75 female eye care professionals, including optometrists, to explore whether practitioners recognize the connection and discuss it with patients. Additionally, Bishop referenced a global survey recently released by Johnson & Johnson that found that of the 6000 female participants, “40% connect eye changes with the menopause transition—even though 90% say seeing clearly and comfortably helps them feel confident, capable or like themselves,” according to a news release.¹

The central finding is a gap between awareness and action. More than three-quarters of the surveyed professionals said they were aware of the timing or connection between perimenopause and presbyopia, yet more than half said they do not raise the topic with patients. Meanwhile, patients are beginning to bring up concerns: about 55% of the eye care professionals said patients mention symptoms beyond vision changes, including dryness, headaches, and other symptoms associated with perimenopause.

Bishop notes that these changes can provoke strong emotional reactions. Some patients feel they are too young to experience them, while others feel frustrated or irritated. Because people are staying active longer and may not feel their age, they can be surprised or unprepared when presbyopia develops. She says patients may not know what to expect or that treatment options are available.

The survey also asked female optometrists—some of whom may be experiencing these changes themselves—whether they bring the subject up. The responses showed that even these practitioners often do not. They cited limited appointment time, insufficient knowledge, and discomfort with the conversation as reasons for not raising it. Bishop suggests that these barriers may be even greater for male or younger eye care professionals, underscoring the need for more education and practical guidance on how to introduce the subject and what to discuss.

She encourages regular yearly eye exams as an opportunity to ask patients about their concerns, identify possible health issues, and connect eye care with broader women’s health. When symptoms fall outside an eye care professional’s expertise or comfort level, she recommends involving a general practitioner or other specialists through comanagement.

Bishop concludes that Johnson & Johnson wants to support both patients and eye care professionals with education about perimenopause, menopause, and presbyopia. She also mentions the company’s partnership with actress and menopause advocate Naomi Watts for Perimenopause and Menopause Awareness Month and expresses a commitment to continued collaboration with the eye care community.

Reference

1. New global survey by Johnson & Johnson finds most women don’t connect eye health changes with menopause. News release. Johnson & Johnson. October 1, 2026. Accessed October 1, 2026. https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/new-global-survey-by-johnson-johnson-finds-most-women-dont-connect-eye-health-changes-with-menopause