Studies show that women are more likely than men to have specific eye disorders and diseases. According to the National Eye Institute, women make up two out of every three individuals who have vision issues or are blind. This women’s month, we have made an effort to inform the public about the heightened risk that women face when it comes to vision-related health problems as well as the precautions that can be taken to prevent vision loss.
Major vision issues that are more common in women include:
- Age-related Macular Degeneration
- Dry Eye
- Autoimmune illnesses, including lupus and Sjogren’s syndrome
- Cataract
- Thyroid eye disease
- Glaucoma
- Low Vision
- Refractive Error
According to the World Report on Vision by the World Health Organization, women are more likely than males to live longer than normal, which increases their risk of age-related eye disorders.
In addition to ocular diseases and illnesses, pregnancy and menopause-related health problems specific to women also arise from shifting hormone levels. During pregnancy, a woman’s ability to see clearly may change. Women with pre-existing illnesses, such as glaucoma, high blood pressure, or diabetes, should inform their optometrist or ophthalmologist that they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Additionally, dry eye affects more women in their middle and later years, resulting in a clinical diagnosis or severe symptoms. In addition to causing irritation, redness, and pain, dry eye disease can also cause reduced eyesight.
The Importance of Eye Examinations
By the age of 40, minor visual alterations are typical. Presbyopia, a condition that affects many people over the age of 40, is caused by the human eye’s lens becoming less flexible as we age. Our body’s muscles, including the muscles in our eyes, may show signs of deterioration with age. It is crucial to follow the advice and have your eyes inspected by a qualified eye care professional due to these changes.
The majority of age-related eye conditions don’t have any overt symptoms. The only method to identify these conditions, which can have severe effects on vision or even cause vision loss, is through thorough dilated eye exams. By dilating the pupils, your eye doctor can examine for signs of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye illnesses as well as abnormal lens changes, nerve tissue damage, and blood vessel leakage.
Depending on age, eye care professionals advise having a dilated eye examination every one to three years. A yearly eye exam is recommended for everyone over 40.
What steps may women take to preserve their vision?
The most important of the five senses, vision, can, fortunately, be maintained by a variety of actions.
- Stop smoking
The biggest controllable risk factor for the onset and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is smoking. Additionally, smoking can cause optic nerve damage, glaucoma, and cataracts.
- Engage in lifelong healthy eating
Maintaining good visual health requires eating a diet that is well-balanced and rich in nutrients that are beneficial to the eyes. Dark leafy greens have been proven to possibly lower the risk of AMD. Berries, fish (salmon, tuna, halibut, and other oily fish), walnuts, and antioxidant-rich vegetables (carrots, kale, spinach) can all help with macular degeneration, vision improvement, and reducing inflammation in and around the eyes. Eggs, beans, and plant-based proteins are additional nutrient-dense foods.
- Consume supplements
Observe your doctor’s advice on eye health supplements.
- Know the history of eye illness in your family
Many illnesses, including glaucoma, AMD, and cataracts can run in families. Inquire about the condition of your family members’ eyes, and inform your eye doctor of any changes.
- Use safety glasses
When performing dangerous tasks, participating in sports, or doing household duties where there is a higher risk of eye injury, use polycarbonate safety eyewear.
- Put on UV-protective eyewear and a hat
The risk of AMD and cataracts can increase with prolonged UV exposure. Look for lenses that completely or almost completely block UVA and UVB radiation and put on a hat even on cloudy days.
- Preserve a healthy weight
Vision loss is more likely to occur as a result of complications from obesity and long-term medical diseases including diabetes and hypertension.
- Watch how much time you spend in front of the computer
Constant screen time causes headaches, blurred vision, and difficulty concentrating. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break from the computer to stretch your eyes and change your focus.
- Be cautious when applying and storing eye makeup
Before using eye makeup, always cleanse your hands. Clean your eye makeup brushes frequently. No matter how exhausted you are, take off your makeup before bedtime to prevent eye infections. Do not leave any cosmetics in your car as high temperatures can cause preservatives to break down and provide an environment for bacteria to grow.
- Maintain strict standards of hygiene and contact lens care
Wear prescription lenses only when directed to do so by a licensed eye care expert. To prevent acanthamoeba keratitis, which happens when exposed to water contaminated with the amoeba Acanthamoeba, take off your contact lenses before showering or washing your face. Always use soaps without oils or fragrances when handling lenses, and keep your hands clean. Contact lenses should be taken out, cleaned, disinfected, stored, and replaced exactly as advised by your optometrist.
Women must prioritize their eye health to aid in the early detection of vision problems as ophthalmologists and optometrists resume their practices following interruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The risk of vision loss can be considerably decreased with prompt and thorough treatment for the majority of eye illnesses. Maintaining good eye care habits, such as routine eye exams can improve eye health and decrease the effects of eye disease.
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