April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month, a time to highlight the unique vision challenges women face and encourage proactive eye care. While eye health is essential for everyone, women are at a higher risk for certain vision conditions. Understanding these risks and taking preventative measures can help ensure a lifetime of healthy sight.
Let’s review the conditions that most commonly impact women’s eye health.
Cataracts
Cataracts, which cause clouding of the eye’s lens, are more common in women due to longer life expectancy and increased exposure to risk factors like UV radiation and oxidative stress.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD is a leading cause of vision loss, affecting the central part of the retina. Women are more likely to develop AMD, partly because they tend to live longer than men.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy, menopause, and while using oral contraceptives, can lead to chronic dry eyes. Women often experience more severe symptoms than men.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve and can lead to blindness, is more prevalent in women. African American and Hispanic women are at even higher risk.
Autoimmune Diseases
Conditions like lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis—which disproportionately affect women—can have serious eye-related complications, including inflammation and dryness.
Vision Changes during Pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause temporary vision changes due to fluid retention, hormonal fluctuations, and increased blood pressure. These changes can lead to blurred vision, dry eyes, or even gestational diabetes-related eye problems.
Now that we have a better understanding of the types of conditions that most commonly affect women, let’s review how women can protect their eyes. Maintaining eye health requires a combination of protective habits, lifestyle choices, and regular checkups. Here’s what women can do to safeguard their vision:
- Schedule Regular Eye Exams – Many eye diseases develop without noticeable symptoms. Routine eye exams can help detect issues early, allowing for more effective treatment. Women over 40 should discuss screenings for conditions like glaucoma and AMD with their eye doctor.
- Wear UV Protection – UV rays can contribute to cataracts and macular degeneration. Wearing sunglasses for UV filters with 100% UVA and UVB protection and a wide-brimmed hat can help reduce UV exposure.
- Use Protective Eyewear – Whether working with chemicals, playing sports, or doing home repairs, protective eyewear can prevent eye injuries. Safety goggles and blue light-blocking glasses are also good investments.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet – A diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, omega-3 fatty acid, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, can support eye health. Dark leafy greens, cold water fish, colorful vegetables and citrus fruits are excellent choices.
- Manage Chronic Conditions – Women with diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune diseases should work closely with their healthcare providers to manage their conditions and protect their vision.
- Stay Hydrated – Proper hydration helps prevent dry eye syndrome. Women who experience dry eyes due to hormonal changes should consider using preservative-free artificial tears or discussing treatment options under the guidance of their eye healthcare professional.
- Be Mindful of Makeup and Contact Lens Hygiene – Replace mascara and eyeliner every 3–6 months to avoid bacterial infections. Remove eye makeup before bed to prevent irritation. Follow proper contact lens hygiene to reduce the risk of eye infections.
- Quit Smoking – Smoking doubles the risk of macular degeneration and increases the risk of cataracts. Women who smoke should seek support to quit and protect their long-term eye health.
- Control Screen Time – Excessive screen use can cause digital eye strain, headaches, and dryness. The 20-20-20 rule—taking a break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds—can help reduce strain.
- Understand Hormonal Changes and Eye Health – Women going through menopause or pregnancy should monitor vision changes and consult an eye doctor if they experience persistent discomfort or blurriness.
Women face unique eye health risks, but by taking proactive steps, they can maintain good vision for years to come. Regular eye exams, a balanced diet, proper eye protection, and awareness of hormonal changes all play crucial roles in preserving sight. This April, and everyday, take the time to prioritize your eye health – and encourage the special women in your life to do the same!
If you or someone you love is experiencing vision loss and could benefit from our services, please contact Future In Sight at [email protected] or 603-224-4039 today!
About the Author: Christelle Gonzales, MOT, OTR/L, LSVT, CHC is an Occupational Therapist at Future In Sight