08/04/2026
👀💜 April has been declared Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month — a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of maintaining healthy eyes and optimal vision for women of all ages. 👁️💫
Did you know women are at greater risk of several eye conditions than men? This is due to a combination of factors such as hormonal changes, longer life expectancy, and a higher prevalence of certain health conditions.
“Women can help to avoid unnecessary vision impairment by educating themselves on the eye diseases and conditions that may affect them and by taking preventive steps today to maintain healthy eyesight.” — Kira Baldonado, Executive Vice President at Prevent Blindness.
Why are women more at risk?
Hormonal fluctuations (from pregnancy, menopause, contraceptive use) can impact tear production and visual stability
Autoimmune conditions are more common in women and often affect the eyes
Longer life expectancy of women increases the risk of age-related eye diseases
Common eye conditions that are more likely to affect women:
Dry Eye Disease – linked to hormonal changes, as well as autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome and lupus which are more prevalent in women
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – more common due to longevity
Glaucoma – particularly angle-closure glaucoma, which is more common in women
Thyroid Eye Disease – associated with thyroid dysfunction, which is more prevalent in women
Diabetic retinopathy – risk can increase during pregnancy in those with diabetes
Migraine-related visual disturbances – more prevalent in women due to hormonal triggers
Temporary vision changes – can occur during pregnancy, menopause, or with contraceptive use
Many of these conditions can develop gradually and without obvious symptoms, making regular eye examinations essential for early detection and management.
To all the amazing women in our community — this is a gentle reminder to prioritise your vision and eye health. Whether it’s booking your routine eye exam, addressing dry or irritated eyes, or discussing changes in your vision, small steps now can make a lasting difference.
Your eyes deserve care, attention, and regular check-ups — not just this month, but always.
For more information, visit https://preventblindness.org/womens-eye-health-safety-2026/ or speak to one of our optometrists. To book an eye exam, click here.