Johnson & Johnson, AOA Reveal Menopause Eye Health Gap

October marks the beginning of global Menopause Awareness Month, a moment dedicated to recognising the effects menopause has on billions of lives, careers and overall health.

But despite advocacy efforts, many common menopause symptoms receive improper recognition – leading women to overlook signs of healthcare decline and delay treatment. 

Following a global study conducted with Ipsos, Johnson & Johnson has revealed findings that indicate menopausal women fail to recognise optical health decline as a symptom of midlife hormonal changes. 

Of the women surveyed, 60% did not consider that changes to their vision could be related to menopause. 82% confirmed they had not pursued optometric care for issues like irritated eyes and blurred vision. 

“Eye and vision health needs to be part of the broader health conversation as women navigate menopause,” says Teri K. Geist, President of the American Optometric Association (AOA). 

The report comes to attention as the gap in women’s longevity care – a potentially large, but chronically underserved market, according to a study by the Boston Consulting Group – is called into question.

The visual health blind spot 

Johnson & Johnson’s history as a leader in optometrics dates back nearly 40 years.

In 1987, the US-based healthcare corporation launched its ACUVUE product, described by the company as the world’s first disposable contact lens.

It has continued to expand its Vision portfolio, acquiring Abbott Medical Optics for US$4.3bn in 2017 to branch into ophthalmic surgery, and investing in its contact lens development. 

Following the results of their survey, Johnson & Johnson and the AOA are advising women to identify and address symptoms of visual decline that occur during menopause. 

“Too many women are simply adapting to midlife vision changes without realising there are solutions available,” says Dr. Charissa Lee, Head of Professional Affairs, Vision, at Johnson & Johnson.

Johnson & Johnson’s research surveyed 6,000 women across six key international economies, including the US, the UK and Japan, finding widespread evidence of overlooked eye health during menopausal transition. 

Among respondents:

• 66% – experienced dry, gritty or irritated eyes.
• 60% – developed blurred vision in midlife.
• 18% – considered scheduling an annual eye exam, of whom 75% confirmed they were pursuing care for other midlife changes.
• 31% – reported relying on temporary solutions, such as digital tools, instead of clinical care.
• 90% – reported clear vision factored into their sense of confidence and comfort.

“By making eye health part of the menopause conversation, we can help women find the options that support clear, comfortable vision and everyday confidence,” says Charissa. 

Awareness gaps and longevity care 

Findings from BCG indicate the extent to which women’s healthcare needs are unmet, especially as they experience complications during the menopause.

During menopause and perimenopause, women’s bodies undergo a significant hormonal transition which influences changes to a range of bodily functions. Bone degradation, weight gain and mental wellbeing are among the areas affected, significantly impacting women’s day-to-day lives. 

“Many people are surprised to learn that menopause and perimenopause can involve a wide range of symptoms,” says Sarah Garton, Managing Director at Accenture and a menopause advocate. Symptoms range “from joint pain and tinnitus to brain fog, heart palpitations, anxiety, sleep disruption and more.” 

Awareness gaps and blind spots stemming from a lack of conversation and clarity around menopause symptoms – as indicated by Johnson & Johnson’s survey – can result in women missing opportunities to engage with healthcare professionals. 

Though desire for longevity care, which aims to prolong health and prevent age-related decline, is strong among women, clinical solutions are not sufficiently offered, accessible or visible, BCG found.

Advocacy can help women determine what care they need as they enter menopause. Advancing longevity solutions can ensure their needs are tangibly met.

Johnson & Johnson – key partners

Microsoft

CEO: Satya Nadella | HQ: Redmond, Washington

Microsoft and Johnson & Johnson have collaborated on digital surgery, with Microsoft serving as a preferred cloud provider for J&J Medical Devices’ digital surgery ecosystem. The partnership combines Azure cloud, AI, machine learning and IoT capabilities with J&J’s surgical technologies to support connected workflows, clinical decision-making and improved patient outcomes. 

NVIDIA

CEO: Jensen Huang | HQ: Santa Clara, California

NVIDIA is working with Johnson & Johnson MedTech to accelerate AI across surgery, including real-time analysis of surgical data and AI-powered clinical applications. The companies are also advancing robotic surgery development using NVIDIA Isaac for Healthcare, enabling simulated operating environments and digital twins to support product innovation, clinical workflows and training. 

Google

CEO: Sundar Pichai | HQ: Mountain View, California

Johnson & Johnson and Google have a longstanding technology collaboration, including work to advance surgical robotics. More recently, the J&J Foundation has partnered with Google.org on a US$10m initiative to help rural health workers develop practical AI skills. The relationship reflects J&J’s broader use of technology partnerships to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.