Question re: eye changes from contraceptive pill?

Question

I recently changed from another contraceptive pill to Microgynon 20 ED. The active ingredients are Levonorgestrel 100 micrograms and Ethinyloestradiol 20 micrograms in each tablet, which are taken 21 days in a row.

The problem I've had is that, 10 days after starting the pills, I suddenly developed a problem in my left eye. It's mainly affected my short vision, but to some extent also my long vision.

I went to an optometrist today, and had my eyes checked. He tested my eyes, and said that glasses would help, if I wanted to get them. He thought it was just age-related, as I am about 40....without giving too much away. lol

Unfortunately, I didn't think of the 'pill connection' until hours after I came home. I just checked whether eyesight problems can be a side-effect, and I found two, which can be "changes in the cornea of the eye" and "disease of the optic nerve (optic neuritis)".

Does anyone know anything about this, and if it will improve if I go off the pill?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Estrogen and testosterone do have effects on the eyes, it's true. There's an effect on the cornea, and also on the lubrication of the eyes. Theoretically, the pill can make your eyes dry. So, yeah, there's an effect, possibly. But also, at age 40, people almost always develop presbyopia, or far-sightedness (trouble seeing things close, like reading books). So that could be the issue. Or it could be that something about the pill-related changes that makes the far-sightedness more pronounced.

Answer 2

After trying to get off the pill, I experienced visual problems, and other symptoms while taking Provera, to start Menses, . This is a side effect of this medication, so I stopped taking it.

I spoke with my opthamogist(MD), it appeared the axis of one eye had rotated.

I was wearing contacts, following his assessment and recommendation, my vision returned after about a week as the medication left my system.

Hormone medication is serious stuff even if it is in small dosage. We do not realize how it can affect us.

If your vision is changing, there is no guarantee that by the time you get glasses it will not have changed again.

Vision is priceless, talk with the doctor that prescribed the pill to be sure you stop it safely.

With your age, you body will start changing. There are other brands of the pill, other forms of contraception's.

Good luck, the 40's are a great time, with them there is some body adjustments, but essentially it is a good decade, enjoy them.

Answer 3

Only your doctor can tell you for sure.  Call both the doctor who prescribed your birth control and your optometrist and speak with them about it.  They may want to look at your eyes again.

Good luck!