Are Certain Eye Diseases More Common in Women? | National Women’s Health Month

Eye diseases can affect anyone, regardless of age and gender. However, research indicates that females are more likely than males to develop some forms of eye diseases. 

May is National Women’s Health Month. It is a good opportunity to understand the gender differences in eye health and the steps you can take to protect your vision. 
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​What the research says

Some eye diseases and conditions more commonly affect females. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, females account for about 65 percent of age-related macular degeneration cases. They also make up 61 percent of cases of cataracts and glaucoma. Also, vision loss is more common in women. About 66 percent of people with blindness are females. 

One theory is that females carry more of the burden of eye diseases because they tend to live longer than men. But that is likely not the only explanation. 

An article in the Journal of Biology of Sex Differences indicated that age-adjusted studies found that females have higher vision loss than males worldwide. This suggests that other factors besides age are involved. 

Other types of eye conditions also appear to be more common in females. For instance, research in the Journal of Mid-Life Health indicated that dry eye syndrome affects females twice as much as males. 
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Why are certain eye conditions more common in women?

Different factors may play a role in why certain eye conditions are more common in females, such as: 

Hormones: As reported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, estrogen levels, which decrease after menopause, can cause the cornea to have reduced stiffness. This change can affect how light travels through the eyes, which may result in blurry vision. A decrease in estrogen may also affect tear production and increase the risk of dry eyes. 

Age: As stated above, females live longer than males on average. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2021, women live about 5.8 years longer than men. Many types of eye diseases are more likely to occur as you age.

Autoimmune diseases: Females are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases that may affect the eyes and vision. 

Pregnancy: Pregnancy can lead to certain vision and eye changes, often due to changing hormones. Gestational diabetes, which can occur in pregnancy, also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Diabetes can also lead to eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy. 

Socioeconomic factors: Economic or social factors may also affect a female’s access to proper eye care, especially in certain countries. 

Risk factors for eye diseases in women

Certain factors may increase a woman’s risk of developing an eye disease, such as the following: 

• Early menopause
• Smoking 
• Hormonal imbalance 
• Malnutrition as a child
• Not getting regular eye exams after age 40

Making eye health a priority 

There are things a female can do to decrease the risk of eye diseases, including those listed below. 

• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can increase the risk of diabetes and eye-related conditions. 
• Do not smoke. Smoking can damage the blood vessels in the body, including those in the eyes. 
• Wears sunglasses. UV rays from the sun can further increase the risk of certain eye diseases.
• Get regular eye exams. One of the best ways to protect your vision is by getting regular eye exams. 

By becoming aware of the risks of eye diseases, we hope you will take the steps above to promote healthy vision. 

If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.