April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Women are more likely than men to develop vision problems and experience permanent vision loss, yet many women are unaware of their increased risk. For women in Summerlin and across the Las Vegas area, understanding these risks and taking preventive steps can make a meaningful difference in long-term eye health.

Why Are Women at Higher Risk for Eye Disease?

Several of the most common vision-threatening conditions affect women at disproportionately higher rates than men. These include age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, uncorrected refractive errors, and overall visual impairment. Women also tend to live longer than men, which means more cumulative years of exposure to UV light, hormonal changes, and age-related eye changes.

Chronic dry eye is another condition that affects women more frequently. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and menopause can disrupt tear production, and conditions like ocular rosacea, which is more prevalent in women, further increase the risk of persistent dry eye symptoms.

Steps Every Woman Should Take to Protect Her Vision

The most effective way to prevent vision loss is to be proactive about eye health. Here are key steps every woman should follow:

• Learn your family history of eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, and share this information with your eye doctor.
• Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays whenever you are outdoors, regardless of the season or weather.
• Avoid smoking, which significantly increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and dry eye.
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet with leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids to support long-term eye health.
• Follow proper contact lens hygiene, including cleaning, storing, and replacing lenses as directed by your eye doctor.
• Replace eye cosmetics regularly, especially mascara and eyeliner, and remove all makeup before bed to prevent infections and meibomian gland blockage.
• Take breaks from screens using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Eye Care During Pregnancy and Diabetes

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and have diabetes, schedule a comprehensive eye exam as soon as possible. Diabetic retinopathy can progress rapidly during pregnancy and may pose risks to both mother and baby. Your eye doctor can monitor your retinal health and coordinate care with your obstetrician to keep you and your baby safe.

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter Most

Many serious eye conditions develop gradually without noticeable symptoms. Glaucoma, for example, can cause significant peripheral vision loss before you notice any change. Macular degeneration may start with subtle distortion that is easy to overlook. By the time symptoms become obvious, permanent damage may have already occurred.

Comprehensive eye exams are the single most important tool for catching these conditions early, when treatment is most effective. Women over 40, those with a family history of eye disease, and anyone with chronic health conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders should be especially diligent about scheduling routine exams.

Do not wait for symptoms to appear. If you experience sudden vision changes, flashes of light, new floaters, or eye pain, seek immediate care as these may indicate a medical emergency.

This Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, make your vision a priority. To schedule a comprehensive eye exam in the area or the surrounding area, contact Insight Vision Optometry, Las Vegas at 702-747-4070 or visit www.insightvisionlv.com.