Common Eye and Vision Conditions for Men | Men’s Health Month

Common vision problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration, affect both men and women. Although according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), women are at a higher risk of blindness than men, vision loss and eye problems also affect men in high numbers. 

​June is Men’s Health Month. It is a good time to bring awareness to eye conditions that men may have an increased risk of developing. Consider some of the conditions below that are more common in men. 

Skin cancer 

Although both men and women develop skin cancer, including around the eyes, men have a higher risk of dying from melanoma. There are different types of skin cancer, including basal cell and melanoma.

Melanoma is a more serious form of skin cancer.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, by the age of 65, men are twice as likely to develop melanoma than women the same age. By age 80, that number jumps to three times as likely.

Symptoms of melanoma

• A sore that does not heal
• Bleeding from a mole
• Change in the size or texture of an existing mole

To protect the skin around your eyes from all forms of skin cancer, take the following steps:

Get yearly skin exams: The earlier skin cancer is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. Yearly exams can help.

Wear sunglasses: Look for sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Consider wrap around styles that block the sun from the sides.

Wear sunscreen: According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, wear a sunscreen with a minimum of 15 SPF every time you are outside during the day. 
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Traumatic eye injuries

According to the AAO, men sustain traumatic eye injuries about three times as often as women. The AAO also reports that about 25 percent of eye injuries occur while playing sports. Another quarter of the injuries occur while doing home repairs.

Traumatic eye injuries may include:

• Laceration to the globe of the eye
• Foreign body in the eye
• Chemical burns

Symptoms of traumatic eye injuries vary greatly depending on the type and severity of the injury. Symptoms may include:

• Bleeding in and around the eye
• Eye pain
• Vision loss
• Orbital fracture

Treatment for traumatic eye injuries varies based on the type of injury. If you sustain an eye injury, it is important to seek medical attention even if you think it is mild. 

To protect against traumatic eye injuries, it’s essential to wear appropriate eyewear for the activity you are participating in. For example, if you are playing certain sports that have a potential risk of an eye injury, such as hockey, wear sports protective eyewear. It is also vital to use protective eyewear when completing home projects, such as yard work or construction. 
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Color blindness 

Although color blindness is not serious, it does affect the clarity in which a person can see colors. Color blindness occurs when certain color cone cells in the eyes are defective or not working properly. Usually, people that have color blindness cannot distinguish between certain colors, such as reds and green.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that men are at a much greater risk of developing color blindness than women. The most common type of color blindness is passed on through the X-chromosome. To develop color blindness, people with two X-chromosomes (women) need to have both chromosomes defective to have colorblindness. Most men have one X and one Y chromosome. Men only need to have their one X-chromosome defective to develop color blindness. 

Although there is no cure for color blindness, special glasses and contact lenses are available that may help correct color deficiencies.

We are happy to answer any questions or to discuss whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time. Please call our office at 508-746-8600.