Quick Facts

• Women are at a higher risk for developing age-related macular degeneration and thyroid eye disease¹
• The risk of dementia is 2-5x greater in visually impaired elderly women²

Cosmetics and Eye Health

Cosmetic eye products and procedures may present risks to eye health.³ Permanent makeup, Botox injections, dermal fillers, eyelash extensions and mascara have been linked with specific eye conditions, including:

• Hyperpigmentation
• Ocular surface disease
• Contact dermatitis
• Bacterial infections
• Dry eye disease

Pregnancy and Eye Health

During pregnancy, the body experiences many hormonal changes that can affect the eyes.⁴ Patients may experience blurred vision or dry eye while pregnant.⁵

Pregnant women with diabetes or gestational diabetes should see their eye doctor once per trimester, since they are at a higher risk of developing serious eye conditions.⁵

Sources

1. The roles of sex and gender in women’s eye health disparities in the United States, Society for Women’s Health Research Women’s Eye Health Working Group (Published online 2021 Oct 20. doi: 10.1186/s13293- 021-00401-3)
2. Is Visual Impairment a Risk Factor for Dementia in Women? By Lynda Seminara. Selected and Reviewed By: Neil M. Bressler, MD, and Deputy Editors, Journal Highlights, JAMA Ophthalmology, June 2020
3. Complications and adverse effects of periocular aesthetic treatments, Published: April 28, 2021, DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.survophthal.2021.04.009
4. Ocular Changes in Pregnancy By Yasaman Ataei, MD, MS, and Jessica Randolph, MD, January 2022, Edited by Bennie H. Jeng, MD.
5. How Pregnancy Impacts Your Vision, March 18, 2023.