Common Eye Conditions in Women: Symptoms and Treatments

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on April 15, 2025

April marks Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, a time to focus on the unique eye health challenges women face. At Missouri Eye Institute, we’re committed to helping women achieve clear vision and optimal eye health. 

From dry eyes to cataracts, let’s explore common eye conditions affecting women, their symptoms and effective treatments—including how treatments such as LASIK vision correction can transform lives.

Why Women Face Unique Eye Health Risks

Women are more susceptible to certain eye conditions due to hormonal fluctuations, longer life expectancy and lifestyle factors. Pregnancy, menopause and even birth control can trigger changes in tear production or vision clarity. Living longer also increases the odds of age-related issues like cataracts or macular degeneration. Understanding these risks empowers women to prioritize eye care.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Hormonal shifts make dry eye syndrome a frequent complaint among women. Symptoms include gritty, red or burning eyes—often described as the sensation of sand trapped under the eyelid. Artificial tears offer relief, but for chronic cases, Missouri Eye Institute provides dry eye treatment to help restore lasting moisture and comfort:

Systane iLux®: A handheld device that treats Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) by unclogging glands with gentle warmth and pressure. Treatments last 8-12 minutes per eye.

AB Max™: Cleans bacteria causing anterior blepharitis, an inflammation at the base of your eyelashes. Regular treatments alleviate symptoms and reduce bacteria buildup.

Punctal plugs: Tiny plugs inserted into tear ducts to retain tears on the eye’s surface, improving moisture and reducing dry eye symptoms.

Prescription medications: Treat chronic dry eye with medicated drops that address underlying causes when artificial tears aren’t enough.

Cataracts

Cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens, often emerge with age—and since women tend to live longer, they’re eventually at higher risk. Symptoms include blurry vision, faded colors or night-driving difficulty. Cataract surgery, a quick procedure replacing the cloudy lens with a clear one, restores vibrant sight. Missouri Eye will customize every cataract surgery for individual needs.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma silently damages the optic nerve, often from pressure buildup, and women over 60 or with a family history of glaucoma face greater odds. Early stages can lack symptoms, but later, peripheral vision fades. Routine eye exams can catch it early; treatments like drops, lasers or surgery can slow progression and safeguard vision.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) blurs central vision, complicating tasks like reading. Women’s longer lifespans and hormonal factors raise their risk. Wavy lines or dark spots are among the first noticeable signs that signal trouble. While AMD is not curable, these steps can help you slow its progression:

• Early detection
• Vitamin supplements
• A diet rich in vitamins A, C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3
• Working with your eye doctor on AMD management

Refractive Errors and LASIK

Refractive errors—nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism—can worsen during pregnancy or menopause due to hormonal shifts. Squinting at signs or text? Glasses or contacts help, but LASIK surgery offers lasting clarity. 

It’s important to note that your LASIK surgeon will not perform LASIK during pregnancy or during other periods of vision change as unstable prescriptions can affect visual outcomes. Your prescription will need to be stable for at least a year before LASIK is an option. Post-stabilization, the precise, all-laser LASIK at Missouri Eye Institute can correct your vision in minutes, with the goal of freeing you from a lifetime of dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

This Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, take charge of your vision health with eye protection, eye drops, a nutrient-rich diet and regular checkups. Missouri Eye Institute is your partner in clear, healthy vision—whether managing dry eyes or exploring LASIK. 

Let’s celebrate your eyes this April.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are women more prone to dry eyes?

Hormonal changes from pregnancy, menopause or birth control can reduce tear production, causing dryness and other changes to the eyes and vision. Often these are temporary changes, but you should monitor your eyes closely to ensure sharp vision and use moisturizing eye drops when necessary to ensure comfort.

Can LASIK help with age-related vision changes?

LASIK corrects refractive errors, not cataracts or AMD, which require different treatments. In the case of cataracts, you can work with your surgeon to customize a replacement lens that also corrects existing refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.

How can I prevent cataracts?

Sunglasses, healthy eating and avoiding smoking help slow the progression of cataracts, though age remains a key factor. Early detection through regular eye exams is the best way to stay on top of vision changes and keep eyesight as clear as possible.

Is AMD treatable?

No cure for AMD exists, but vitamins, lifestyle changes and medical treatment can slow its progression. AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness in older adults, so early detection is key.

Can pregnancy affect my vision?

Yes, hormonal shifts during pregnancy may blur vision or worsen refractive errors temporarily. Your eye doctor will be happy to address vision concerns related to pregnancy for you.

How often should I get my eyes checked?

Most adults should get a thorough eye exam every 1-2 years, or annually if you’re over 60 or have a family history of glaucoma, AMD or other eye conditions. Sometimes an ophthalmologist will recommend more frequent examinations for individuals at the highest risk of vision loss.

Missouri Eye Institute has helped thousands of patients attain freedom from glasses and contact lenses, with convenient locations in Springfield, Joplin and Branson. Contact us at (800) 383-3831 to schedule a thorough consultation or visit MissouriEye.com to learn more about our services.