April, a month of new beginnings and celebrations in Sri Lanka, is also Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month in globally, a crucial time to focus on women’s unique vision needs. At Vision Care, we believe everyone deserves clear, healthy vision, and that’s why we’re dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of proactive eye care, especially for women. Many people don’t realize that women are at a higher risk of developing serious eye conditions, making regular eye check-ups and preventive care essential.
WHY WOMEN’S EYE HEALTH MATTERS
Research shows that two-thirds of blindness and visual impairment cases worldwide occur in women. Did you know that women are at a higher risk than men for several eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye syndrome? This higher risk is linked to longer life expectancy, hormonal changes, and genetic predispositions. These conditions can significantly impact quality of life, making everyday activities like reading, driving, and even recognizing loved ones a struggle.
COMMON EYE CONDITIONS AFFECTING WOMEN
- Dry Eye Syndrome – Women, particularly those undergoing menopause, are more prone to dry eye syndrome due to hormonal fluctuations. Symptoms include irritation, redness, and a gritty feeling in the eyes.
- Cataracts – Women have a 25% higher risk of developing cataracts than men. This condition causes clouding of the eye lens, leading to blurry vision.
- Glaucoma – A leading cause of blindness, glaucoma is more common in women due to hormonal changes affecting eye pressure.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) – Studies show that women over 50 are at a greater risk of AMD, which gradually leads to central vision loss.
PROTECTING WOMEN’S EYE HEALTH
“Your eyes are the windows to your world and protecting them means protecting your future.”
Here are essential steps women can take to safeguard their vision:
✔ Get Regular Eye Exams – Early detection is key. Experts recommend an eye check-up every 1-2 years, especially for women over 40.
✔ Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet – Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, C, and E help maintain healthy eyes.
✔ Wear UV-Protective Sunglasses – Prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of cataracts and AMD. Choose sunglasses with 100% UV protection.
✔ Manage Chronic Conditions – Women with diabetes or hypertension should be extra cautious, as these conditions can lead to diabetic retinopathy and vision loss.
✔ Practice Safe Contact Lens Hygiene – Improper contact lens use can cause eye infections. Always follow hygiene guidelines to prevent complications.
EYE SAFETY FOR WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE & DAILY LIFE
Women who work in healthcare, manufacturing, or laboratory environments should use protective eyewear to prevent injuries from hazardous chemicals, radiation, and flying debris. Wearing safety goggles or protective shields can significantly reduce the risk of eye trauma.
For those who spend extended hours on digital screens whether in an office, studying, or working remotely digital eye strain is a common issue. Symptoms include dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and neck pain. To combat this, women should:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
- Adjust screen brightness and contrast to reduce glare.
- Use blue-light filtering glasses to protect against excessive screen exposure.
- Blink frequently and use artificial tears if experiencing dryness.
Additionally, household chores like cooking and cleaning can expose women to irritants such as smoke, chemicals, and dust. Using protective eyewear or proper ventilation while handling cleaning agents can help prevent eye irritation and long-term damage.
TAKE ACTION TODAY!
Don’t wait until you’re experiencing problems to prioritize your eye health. At Vision Care Optical Services Pvt Ltd, we are committed to ensuring you receive the best eye care services. This April, book your comprehensive eye exam and take a proactive step toward better vision and long-term eye health.
“Your vision is priceless—protect it today, for a brighter tomorrow.“
REFERENCES
AAO, 2025. Women Face Higher Risk of Blindness Than Men. [Online]
Available at: https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/women-face-higher-risk-of-blindness-than-men
AOA, 2025. Digital Eyestrain. [Online]
Available at: https://www.aoa.org/educate-your-community/digital-eyestrain?sso=y
CDC, 2025. Promoting Eye Health. [Online]
Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/hcp/clinical-guidance/promote-eye-health.html
Gorimanipalli , B., Khamar , P., Sethu , S. & Shetty , R., 2023. Hormones and dry eye disease. Indian journal of ophthalmology, 71(4), p. 1276–1284.
NEH, 2025. Eye Health Data and Statistics. [Online]
Available at: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-health-data-and-statistics
NICE, 2018. Age-related macular degeneration: diagnosis and management. In: Age-related macular degeneration: diagnosis and management. s.l.:s.n.
Swenor, B. et al., 2020. World Health Report on Vision: Aging Implications for Global Vision and Eye Health. Innovation in Aging, Volume 4, pp. 807-808.
Vajaranant, T. S., Nayak, S., Wilensky, J. T. & Joslin, C. E., 2010. Gender and glaucoma: what we know and what we need to know. Current opinion in ophthalmology, 21(2), p. 91–99.