What You Need to Know About Women's Eye Health

Did you know that two out of every three people with vision problems—like glaucoma, cataracts, and even blindness—are women?¹ While it’s true that most people deal with vision issues during some point in their lives, many people assume that women and men face the same issues when it comes to eye health. However, women face a number of specific health issues that could increase their chances of encountering vision problems.

For starters, women, on average, live longer than men¹. This could increase their chances of age-related vision problems, like glaucoma, dry eyes, and cataracts. Pregnancy and menopause can lead to changes in hormone levels that affect vision as well. And women are also more likely to suffer from autoimmune disorders, which can negatively impact eye health².

In honor of Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, let’s take a look at some of the ways women can take a proactive role in protecting their vision.
 

1. Schedule Your Annual Eye Exam

When it comes to eye health related issues, your first stop should be your eye doctor’s office. Despite this, one in four women has not had an eye exam in the last two years². Apart from checking for eye issues, eye exams can also help discover other health issues, like high cholestorol and diabetes³. Don’t have a doctor? We can help you find one.
 

2. Wear Sunglasses

Spending time in the sun—whether in summer or winter—can increase the risk of exposure to UVA and UVB rays, which can lead to issues like corneal flash burn. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time outside, be sure to wear sunglasses that block out UV light. Don’t have any? No worries—all of Eyeconic^® sunglasses are 100% UV proof!
 

3. Maintain Good Health

Some studies⁴ have shown that there may be a link between frequent exercise and eye health, so hit the local gym or a take a lap around the neighborhood! And when it comes to diet, fruits and vegetables like spinach, sweet potatoes, zuccini, and any other foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can help decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration⁵. Smoking is linked to vision problems as well, so if you’re a frequent smoker, consider talking to your doctor about the best strategies for quitting⁶.
 

4. Protect Your Eyes

An estimated 2.5 million eye injuries occur every year in the United States⁷. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, playing basketball, or fixing up your house, make sure you’re wearing proper protective eyewear.

Your eyes are one of the most important parts of your body, and when it comes to keeping them healthy, it’s never too early to take a proactive approach. With just a few small changes, you’ll be on your way to reducing the possibility of vision issues later in life!
 

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1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23331196/
2. https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2023/04/why-women-need-pay-extra-attention-eye-health
3. https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-health/eyes-the-windows-to-your-health/
4. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/exercise-may-slow-prevent-eye-disease-study-finds
5. https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2018/08/summer-eye-healthy-food-time
6. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/vision-loss-blindness.html
7. https://www.aao.org/newsroom/eye-health-statistics