By Dr Andile Pieterson & Dr Ayanda Mthembu (TwinsOnEyes) — Optometrists
Women account for nearly two thirds of visually impaired individuals globally. This disproportionate burden is driven by longer life expectancies, biological and hormonal differences, a higher prevalence of autoimmune conditions and cosmetic trends. Recognizing these specific vulnerabilities is crucial for protecting women’s vision
The Hormonal Impact on Vision:
Hormones play a powerful role in regulating eye health particularly the composition of the tear film and the elasticity of ocular tissues. Throughout a woman’s life major hormonal milestones directly impact her eyes: Menopause: A drop in estrogen and progesterone during menopause alters the function of the lacrimal and meibomian glands. This leads to a severe reduction in quality tear production making women twice as likely as men to develop chronic Dry Eye Syndrome. Pregnancy: Surging hormones and increased fluid retention can temporarily alter the shape and thickness of the cornea. This causes minor vision shifts, blurry vision and intolerance to contact lenses. More seriously pregnancy can aggravate pre-existing Diabetic Retinopathy requiring close monitoring. Oral Contraceptives and HRT: Synthetic hormones can introduce side effects including dry eyes and an increased risk of blood clots which can rarely impact ocular blood flow.
Cosmetic impact on vision
The rise of cosmetic trends like lash extensions, heavy makeup and eyeliner has made eye safety a major focus in optometry. Because these products sit directly on your eyelids improper use can lead to painful infections and vision issues.
Understanding these risks is essential for keeping your eyes healthy.
The Dangers of Eyelash Extensions
Eyelash extensions carry the highest risk of injury and infection among modern eye cosmetics.
Toxic Adhesives: Most lash glues contain formaldehyde or other harsh chemicals. These can cause severe allergic reactions, swelling, and chemical burns on the eyelid. Trapping Bacteria: Long, dense synthetic lashes act like a sponge. They trap dirt, bacteria and natural oils against the eye surface. Lash Loss (Traction Alopecia): The heavy weight of extensions can put too much stress on your natural lash follicles. This can cause your real eyelashes to fall out permanently. Demodex Mite Infestations: Many people avoid washing their eyes thoroughly to make their extensions last longer. This lack of hygiene leads to an overgrowth of microscopic Demodex mites causing crusty, itchy eyelids.
How Makeup Causes Dry Eye and Infection
Daily makeup routines can easily disrupt the delicate ecosystem of the eye surface. Waterlining Risks: Applying eyeliner to the “waterline” (the inner rim of the eyelid) blocks the Meibomian glands. Corneal Scratches: A slip of a mascara wand or eyeliner pencil can scratch the cornea. Contaminated Products: Makeup builds up bacteria over time. Using expired products or sharing makeup with others transfers harmful bacteria directly onto your eye.
Prevalence of Major Eye Conditions
Women are significantly more susceptible to the leading causes of vision impairment. This vulnerability spans several complex eye diseases:
1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): AMD destroys sharp, central vision needed for reading and driving. Because women live longer, they make up roughly 65% of all AMD cases. 2. Cataracts: This progressive clouding of the natural lens affects women at a much higher rate than men, a gap that widens significantly after the age of 65. 3. Glaucoma: Known as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve. Women represent over 60% of all glaucoma cases particularly angle- closure glaucoma. 4. Autoimmune-Related Ocular Inflammations: Women are far more likely to develop autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s Syndrome. These conditions cause the body to attack its own tissues resulting in chronic painful eye inflammation (uveitis) and debilitating dryness.
How can women preserve vision is such cases?
Fortunately most vision loss is preventable with early detection and targeted lifestyle adjustments. Women can safeguard their sight by adopting a proactive healthcare routine:
Prioritise Dilated Eye Exams: Do not rely on basic vision screenings. A comprehensive, dilated eye exam allows an optometrist or ophthalmologist to examine the retina and optic nerve closely. This is the only way to catch diseases like glaucoma and AMD before symptoms appear. Know Your Family History: Many eye conditions carry genetic risks. Sharing your family medical history with your doctor helps them assess your personal risk profile accurately. Shield Against UV Rays: Chronic UV exposure accelerates cataract development and macular degeneration. Always wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Fuel Your Body for Eye Health: Maintain a diet rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. Focus on leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits and oily fish. Manage Systemic Health: Keep conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure under tight control as they directly damage the delicate blood vessels in the retina.
5 Key habits for safe eye cosmetic use:
employing certified lash technicians, daily cleaning with oil-free products, avoiding waterline eyeliner application, replacing makeup every three months and nightly makeup removal. These practices prevent bacterial growth and ensure eye hygiene Pearls of wisdom: By understanding these gender specific risks and scheduling routine check ups women can effectively protect their vision and maintain their quality of life well into their senior years.