In many ways, the differences between men’s health and women’s health are well-known. There are certain health conditions that only affect one sex, and some that only affect the other. When it comes to eye health, there is a common misperception of equality. In truth, statistics indicate that women experience significantly higher risks for multiple eye conditions, and this creates an enormous need for awareness.
Some of the eye diseases that are more prevalent among women include:
- Refractive errors.
- Dry Eye Syndrome.
- Vision impairment.
- Glaucoma.
- Cataracts.
- Age-related macular degeneration.
- Blindness.
What Women Can Do
The first step in protecting long-term vision is awareness. The simple knowledge of increased risk encourages consistency in daily eye care, as well as annual eye care. Routine eye exams should be performed every year, focusing not only on vision but also on the evaluation of the internal structures of the eyes. Maintaining this routine allows your eye doctor to keep a record of important data such as intraocular pressure, or pressure within the eye.
Additional recommendations for women include:
- Talk to parents or other family members about the family history of eye disease.
- Do not smoke.
- Practice safe contact lens use.
- Practice good cosmetic hygiene and use.
- Eat healthily and take nutritional supplements as needed for optimal eye health.
- Schedule an ophthalmic exam if any changes in vision occur.
Why Women are More Often Affected by Eye Disease
There are a few common reasons why women are more likely to develop one or more eye conditions during their lifetime. The most common factor is lifespan. Women live longer than their male counterparts, and this alone increases the risk for age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. The eyes are also impacted by inflammation in the body, and inflammation tends to coincide with autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. These and other autoimmune disorders are also more prevalent in women, increasing their risk for eye disease. Finally, hormonal changes can affect the eyes’ ability to produce tears.
There are a few ways that women can do more to protect their eyes. A routine eye examination is at the top of the list, along with avoiding tobacco, for long-term eye health. To schedule your eye exam, call Roholt Vision Institute in Canfield, Alliance, or North Canton.