April is Women’s Eye Health Month, and with the right tools, knowledge, and habits, you can help protect your eyes well into your later years. Let’s talk about real steps to keep your vision clear for life.
Women Face a Higher Risk for Vision Loss – But Also More Ways to Prevent It
Here’s something you may not hear enough: women are at a higher risk for vision loss and blindness than men. Conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and dry eye affect women at significantly higher rates – especially after the age of 40.
Why the gap? A few reasons. For one, women tend to live longer than men, which naturally puts them at greater risk for age-related conditions. But there's more to it: hormonal shifts, digital eye strain from prolonged work and device use, and less awareness around these risks all play a role.
The good news? Most of the conditions we’re talking about are manageable or even preventable. With the right habits, you can dramatically reduce your risks and stay in control of your vision as you age.
1. Choose Sunglasses That Work as Hard as You Do
Sun exposure isn’t just a skin issue – UV rays can seriously damage your eyes over time. Extended UV exposure is linked to cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye cancers.
To shield your vision, wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. And don’t stash them away in winter – snow and pavement both reflect UV light, which can increase your exposure. If you’re heading outside, so should your sunglasses.
2. Fuel Your Eyes with the Right Foods – and Keep Moving
Colorful fruits, leafy greens, fatty fish, and whole grains aren’t just trendy – they’re also full of nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, lutein, and omega-3s that help reduce inflammation and protect against disease.
Add in regular exercise (even brisk walking counts), and you’ve got a recipe for healthy circulation, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of eye diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
3. Manage the Conditions That Impact Your Vision
Diabetes. High blood pressure. Chronic stress. These conditions are closely tied to the health of your eyes. If left unmanaged, they can increase your risk of vision loss – even if your eyes feel “fine.”
Work with your healthcare team to keep these conditions under control. The better your overall health, the better your eye health will be, too.
4. Toss Old Makeup and Clean Those Brushes
Using expired makeup isn’t just a beauty blunder – it’s an eye health hazard. Old products, especially mascara and liquid eyeliner, can harbor bacteria that lead to infections or chronic irritation.
Check your expiration dates and make it a habit to replace eye makeup every 3–6 months. Clean your brushes regularly, especially those that come near your eyes, and never share cosmetics – not even with your best friend.
5. Never Sleep in Your Makeup
We get it – after a long day, it’s tempting to hit the pillow without washing your face. But eye makeup can clog the glands in your eyelids, causing dry eye symptoms, styes, and irritation.
Use a gentle, oil-free makeup remover to cleanse your eyelids daily, especially around the lash line. Keeping this area clean not only protects your eyes but also helps preserve long-term comfort and tear function.
6. Say No to Costume Contacts Without a Prescription
Colored and decorative contact lenses are popular, especially for events or photo shoots – but buying them online or from novelty shops is a serious risk. Without proper fitting and hygiene education from an eye doctor, these lenses can scratch your cornea, cause infections, or lead to permanent vision damage.
If you’re interested in cosmetic lenses, talk to an optometrist. Even non-corrective lenses require professional fitting and guidance.
7. Make Comprehensive Eye Exams Part of Your Routine
Women are more likely to delay or skip eye exams, but those appointments are one of your best tools for long-term vision protection. Many eye diseases, like glaucoma and macular degeneration, start without symptoms – but can be detected early during a routine eye exam.
Regular checkups help track changes, catch issues early, and give your optometrist a full picture of your risk factors – especially if you have a family history of eye disease or chronic health conditions.
Vision Care Is Self-Care – Don’t Put It Off
Women already juggle a lot. Work, caregiving, health, and everything in between. But your eyes deserve attention too – not only because they help you care for others, but because they’re vital to your quality of life.
The good news is you don’t have to overhaul your entire lifestyle. Just a few simple changes – from ditching expired eyeliner to wearing your sunglasses in spring – can help protect your vision and your independence well into the future.
At 20/20 iCare and iWear in Las Colinas Irving, we support women of all ages with compassionate, comprehensive eye care. Whether you’re managing dry eye, asking about computer vision, or just due for a check-in, we’re here to help you take the next step in your vision care journey. Schedule your appointment now.
FAQ: Women and Eye Health
Why are women more likely to develop age-related eye diseases? Women statistically live longer than men, which increases their lifetime exposure to conditions like macular degeneration and glaucoma. Hormonal changes and lifestyle factors also play a role.
How often should women have eye exams? At minimum, every 1–2 years. If you have existing eye issues, wear contacts, or are over 40, yearly exams are strongly recommended.
Is eye makeup really that risky? Yes – especially when expired, shared, or applied too close to the lash line. Poor hygiene with eye cosmetics can lead to irritation, dryness, or infection.
Do digital devices affect women’s vision more than men’s? Not necessarily – but since women are more likely to multitask on screens or work longer hours, they may experience more digital eye strain. Regular breaks and blue-light protection can help.