April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month: Why It Matters More Than Ever
Every April, healthcare professionals and organizations across the U.S. observe Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, an initiative led by Prevent Blindness to raise awareness about the unique eye health challenges women face. This campaign is not just about increasing awareness—it's a call to action for women to prioritize their vision and take proactive steps to protect it throughout their lives.
Vision is often taken for granted until it begins to decline. For women, that decline can come earlier and more often due to a range of biological, hormonal, and environmental factors. This article explores the key reasons why eye health is a gendered issue, common eye conditions in women, actionable prevention tips, and how better awareness can lead to better long-term outcomes.
The Statistics: Why Women Are at Greater Risk
Women face a disproportionately higher risk of vision problems and eye diseases. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI):
- Two-thirds of all people living with blindness or visual impairment in the U.S. are women.
- Women are more likely to develop conditions like dry eye, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and cataracts.
- Women tend to live longer than men, increasing their exposure to age-related eye conditions.
In a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, researchers found that 65% of people with age-related macular degeneration and 61% with glaucoma are women. Additionally, 75% of individuals with autoimmune diseases—many of which can affect the eyes—are female, according to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA).
Biological and Lifestyle Factors That Impact Women's Vision
There are several key factors that contribute to the higher prevalence of eye issues in women:
1. Hormonal Changes
Women experience hormonal fluctuations throughout life—during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause—that can significantly impact eye health. Hormonal changes can affect tear production, intraocular pressure, and the cornea.
For instance, pregnancy can lead to temporary vision changes due to fluid retention, increased eye pressure, or dry eye symptoms. Menopause, on the other hand, is associated with a decrease in estrogen, which has been linked to reduced tear production and greater risk of dry eye syndrome.
2. Longer Life Expectancy
Because women tend to live longer, they are more likely to experience age-related eye diseases like AMD and cataracts. According to the CDC, women in the U.S. live an average of about 5 years longer than men, which increases the window of time during which eye conditions may develop.
3. Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Sjögren’s syndrome are far more common in women. These conditions often affect the eyes by causing inflammation, dryness, or vision disturbances.
4. Environmental and Social Factors
Women are more likely to be caregivers, use cosmetics near the eyes, and have limited access to regular eye care due to caregiving responsibilities or socioeconomic factors. These issues can compound the risk of developing undiagnosed or poorly managed eye conditions.
Common Eye Conditions That Affect Women
1. Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye is one of the most common conditions affecting women, particularly after age 40. It occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms include burning, itching, redness, blurred vision, and a gritty feeling.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause all contribute to dry eye in women. Certain medications, like antihistamines and birth control pills, can also increase risk.
2. Cataracts
Cataracts involve the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which causes blurry or dim vision. While both men and women can develop cataracts, women are slightly more likely to be affected, particularly over the age of 65. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness globally, but they are treatable with surgery.
3. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina, and leads to progressive vision loss in the center of the visual field. According to the NEI, more than 8 million Americans over age 55 have some form of AMD, and women are at higher risk.
4. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure. The condition can lead to irreversible vision loss if untreated. While men and women both get glaucoma, certain forms—such as angle-closure glaucoma—are more common in women.
5. Vision Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnant women may experience blurry vision, light sensitivity, dry eyes, or even changes in prescription. These are often temporary but can be signs of more serious conditions like gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, which can threaten both vision and overall health.
How Women Can Protect Their Vision at Every Life Stage
Eye health is a lifelong commitment. Here’s how women can prioritize their vision at every stage of life:
In Your 20s and 30s:
- Get a baseline comprehensive eye exam, especially if you wear contacts or have a family history of eye disease.
- Use proper contact lens hygiene.
- Limit screen time and practice the 20-20-20 rule.
- Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E.
During Pregnancy:
- Communicate any vision changes to your OB/GYN and eye doctor.
- Manage underlying conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Avoid over-the-counter eye drops unless approved by your doctor.
In Your 40s and 50s:
- Schedule annual dilated eye exams to screen for AMD, glaucoma, and presbyopia.
- Watch for signs of dry eye, especially during menopause.
- Monitor any changes in near vision and update your prescription as needed.
After 60:
- Be vigilant about regular eye exams—many eye diseases show no symptoms in early stages.
- Ask about special tests like optical coherence tomography (OCT) or retinal imaging.
- Consider lifestyle changes to reduce fall risk if vision is affected.
Preventative Measures to Prioritize Year-Round
Here are some simple, proactive steps every woman can take to protect her eye health:
- Get Regular Eye Exams: Early detection is key for most eye diseases. Adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years.
- Manage Systemic Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune diseases often impact the eyes. Keeping these under control can reduce complications.
- Practice Eye Safety: Use protective eyewear when doing home repairs, gardening, or using chemicals. Cosmetics should be used with caution around the eyes and replaced regularly.
- Take Screen Breaks: Digital eye strain is real. Use proper lighting, maintain correct posture, and follow the 20-20-20 rule.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking doubles your risk of AMD and is linked to cataracts and optic nerve damage.
- Eat for Eye Health: Incorporate leafy greens, citrus fruits, fish like salmon or sardines, and nuts into your diet.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain a healthy tear film and overall eye comfort.
Making Eye Health a Priority
Despite the known risks, a 2020 study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that less than 30% of women over age 40 receive annual eye exams. This highlights the ongoing need for education and access.
April’s Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month is the perfect time to take stock of your eye health. Whether it’s scheduling an eye exam, reassessing your screen habits, or learning about your family’s vision history, even small steps can protect your sight for the long run.
At PRN Vision, We’re With You Every Step of the Way
At PRN Vision, we are passionate about educating and empowering women to take control of their eye health. We believe that access to accurate information is the first step in preventing vision loss. As women navigate life’s stages—whether it’s motherhood, menopause, or aging—we’re here to support your wellness journey with evidence-based strategies and insights.
Healthy vision is more than just seeing clearly. It’s about living confidently, working effectively, and caring for yourself and others. Let this April be the month you put your eye health at the top of your wellness list.
