Eye Conditions Commonly Found in Women | Women's Eye Health & Safety Month

Eye health is important for both men and women at every age. It appears that when it comes to eye disease, though, all things might not be created equal.

​Studies have indicated that women may be at a higher risk of developing vision loss. According to the National Eye Institute, women make up about two-thirds of those who are visually impaired or blind.
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Why Are Women at an Increased Risk of Vision Loss?

Women may be at an increased risk of certain eye diseases for a variety of reasons. Although additional research is needed to determine if age-related hormonal changes that occur in women affect the eyes, other factors are clearer. For example, women have a higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Sjogren’s syndrome, which can affect vision.
 
Lupus rates are also higher in women than men. According to the National Resource Center on Lupus, lupus can lead to changes in the eyes. The nerves that control eye movement can become damaged. Also, women with lupus may develop blood vessel changes in the retina, which can lead to vision changes.
 
Another factor that may explain why females are at an increased risk of eye disease is that women tend to outlive men. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2016, the average life expectancy for men was 76 years. On the other hand, women lived about five years longer, with an average life expectancy of 81 years. The risk of developing many eye diseases increases with age. Since women tend to live longer than men, it makes sense that they are more susceptible to developing eye diseases related to aging.

Common Eye Conditions that Affect Women

Women have an increased risk of developing the following eye conditions:  
 
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, affects the central part of a person’s vision. Women develop the condition more often than men. Since the disease is linked to aging, more women may develop AMD, because, on average, they live longer than men.
 
Fuchs Dystrophy
Fuchs dystrophy is an eye disease that causes the endothelium, a layer of cells in the cornea, to deteriorate. The degenerative changes in the cells lead to vision problems, including hazy or cloudy vision. It most often affects women over the age of 50.
 
Closed-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma affects men and women about the same, while women are about twice as likely to develop closed-angle glaucoma as men, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation. The exact reason is not clear. It may have to with the fact the area between the cornea and iris tends to be shallower in females, which can prevent fluid from draining out of the eyes and cause increased pressure.
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What Can Women Do to Keep Their Eyes Healthy?

There are several steps women can take to keep their eyes healthy, including:

• Have Regular Eye Exams: Many of the eye diseases that are common in women do not cause early symptoms. The conditions can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. Early diagnosis and treatment can save a woman’s vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends having a baseline eye exam by the age of 40.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight increases your chances of developing certain conditions, such as diabetes, which may lead to eye disease. If you are overweight, talk with your doctor about a sensible and healthy eating plan to lose weight.
• Exercise: We know exercise is good for our bones, heart, and lungs. It may also protect our vision. Studies have indicated getting regular exercise may lower your risk of eye disease. If you’re physically active, great. If you have been sedentary or have health risks or conditions, speak with your primary care physician about developing a safe exercise regimen for you and getting started.
• Don’t Smoke: You probably already know that when it comes to your health, smoking is a no-no, but it doesn’t only affect your lungs. Smoking is also bad for your vision. Women and men who smoke are at a higher risk of developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts.

• Wear Sunglasses: Too much exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun increases your chances of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Be sure to wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV protection. Also, don’t be fooled into thinking that you don’t need sunglasses on a gray day or in the winter. The rays can penetrate the clouds. So, keep you sunglasses with you, and wear your shades even on cloudy days.
• Use Proper Eye Protection: Eye injuries can lead to permanent vision loss. Whether on the job, playing sports, or gardening, use the appropriate protective eyewear at work, play, and leisure to protect your eyes.

Fortunately, by taking some of the steps above, women can be aware of and take charge of their eye health and help protect their vision. If you have any questions about your eye health or you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.
 
We hope you found the information in this article useful. Please check back soon for “Pregnancy-Related Eye Changes”, as we continue with Women's Eye Health & Safety Month.