78. Menopause & Eye Health: Dry Eyes, Blurry Vision & What You Can Do with Dr. Neda Gioia

Are your eyes feeling dry or blurry during perimenopause or menopause? You’re not alone—and this episode is for YOU.

In this Episode of Functional Moms Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Neda Gioia, a nationally board-certified optometrist in both nutrition and functional medicine, to explore how hormonal changes impact women’s eye health during midlife.

Dr. Neda shares game-changing insights on:

--Why dry eyes, blurry vision, and macular degeneration become more common in women over 40

--How menopause hormones influence eye tissue and tear production

--The best nutrients and dietary strategies to support your vision

--Which eye symptoms shouldn't be ignored—and when to see an eye doctor

--How to prep for your next eye exam for better outcomes

--Whether blue light glasses really work

--Why sun exposure, diet, and lifestyle directly impact your long-term eye health

Learn how to protect your eyes naturally—through food, lifestyle, and proactive care.

RECOMMENDED EYE HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS (as mentioned in the episode, always check with your doctor first before adding supplements!):

1- blink NutriTears by Bausch and Lomb for dry eye support

2- Nordic Naturals- Pro-Omega 2000-Great for dry eye, macular support and overall eye health

3-Metagenics: PhytoMulti Multivitamin - with or without iron. Great multivitamin that includes specific carotenoids called Lutein and Zeaxanthin which are foundational for eye health!

4-Vitamin D/K- dosing dependent on needs-Helps reduce systemic inflammation which is linked to ocular inflammation!

5-AREDS 2 formula for macular degeneration support- various brands- this includes the foundational evidence based formula (lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, copper, vitamin C, and vitamin E)About Our Guest:

Dr. Neda Gioia is the founder of Integrative Vision, a cutting-edge optometry practice blending clinical eye care with functional medicine. She’s also the immediate past president of the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society.

Key Takeaways from this episode:

--Hormones affect your eyes more than you think

--Dry eye symptoms: not just dryness—think tearing and blurriness too

--Nutrients like omega-3s, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin D are crucial for eye health

--Cataracts, glaucoma, and AMD can be slowed with lifestyle strategies

--Red light therapy is emerging as a promising tool for vision care

--Mediterranean-style eating supports healthy aging and eye protection

Connect with Dr. Neda Gioia:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drnedagioia/⁠

Website:https://integrativevision.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast