Women’s Eye Health Tips from Lighthouse Guild

April Is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month

NEW YORK (April 3, 2024) – Women are at increased risk for glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration, disorders that can lead to vision loss if left unchecked. Pregnancy and menopause can also impact vision. So, it’s especially important for women of all ages women to pay attention to their eye health. Lighthouse Guild, the leading organization for vision and health, shares valuable information about women’s eye health and safety.  

“The most important step every woman can take to protect her eye health is to get regular, comprehensive, dilated eye exams to identify potential early signs of eye disorders,” says Dr. Susan Weinstein, a Low Vision Specialist at Lighthouse Guild. “If you notice sudden changes in your vision, you should seek care immediately.” 

Dr. Weinstein offers some tips to help women take care of their eyes:  

• Pregnancy. Physiological changes during pregnancy can impact vision leading to a change in prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses. These changes are usually temporary and return to normal after pregnancy. Women with pre-existing diabetes need to monitor their vision closely as they are at risk for diabetes-related vision problems. Pre-eclampsia, the development of high blood pressure during pregnancy, can affect vision as well. Pregnant women who have glaucoma and are taking medication to control it, need to discuss these medications with their doctors, as some may potentially be harmful to the developing baby. Bottom line: Women need to make taking care of their eyes part of their pregnancy care routine.   

• Menopause. Vision changes are common with aging. For women, the fluctuations in hormones during and after menopause can cause dry eye. Common eyes diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration all increase with age. Some of these eye diseases cause no pain and often have no early symptoms – they can only be detected with a comprehensive eye exam. The good news is that these disorders may be effectively treated if found early.  

• Dry Eye. Medications, hormonal changes, and aging can lead to dry eye. Prescription eye drops or over the counter eye drops may be recommended. In some cases, a small device known as a punctal plug is inserted into the tear duct of the eye to prevent drainage of the tears. An eye specialist can recommend the appropriate treatment for you. 

• Take Breaks from the Computer. To prevent eyestrain, try resting your eyes when using the computer for long periods of time. Every twenty minutes of computer use, look away at a distant object for twenty seconds to allow the eyes a chance to relax and refocus. Try to blink frequently when using the computer to minimize dryness. 

• Let Eyes Breathe. After a busy day or a night out, resist the temptation to go to sleep wearing contact lenses. Sleeping in contact lenses is never a good idea. Daily disposable contact lenses need to be thrown out every day. Other types of disposable contact lenses should be cleaned every night and disposed of as directed by your doctor. Try to remove contact lenses a few hours before bedtime to give eyes a break. People can develop allergic reactions to contact lens material or cleaning solutions. If a reaction develops,see an eyecare professional.  

• Wear Protective Eye Gear. Help safeguard your eyes from dirt, debris, and trauma by wearing eye protection when playing sports, making repairs, or engaging in work that could lead to eye injury.  

• Get UV-protected sunglasses. Tinted glasses will not necessarily protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It is essential to get proper quality eyewear that provides both UVA and UVB coverage to protect your eyes.

• Take Care Applying Makeup. Avoid applying makeup, such as eyeliner, foundation, or cover-up, so close to the eyes that it gets into your eye. Be careful with makeup implements, such as mascara wands, that can hit the eye, damaging the cornea and impact vision years later. Certain preservatives or other substances in makeup products can cause eyes to become irritated. If this happens, stop using the product that appears to be causing the irritation and try a different formula. 

Lighthouse Guild 
Lighthouse Guild provides exceptional services that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals. Our podcast series, “On Tech & Vision with Dr. Cal Roberts” offers information and insights about technological innovations that are tearing down barriers for people who are blind or visually impaired. For more information, visit Lighthouseguild.org. 

Source: Lighthouse Guild

Contact: Bryan Dotson, Manners Dotson Group

917-796-8632, bdotson@mannersdotson.com 

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