Women’s Risk of Blindness | Women's Eye and Health Safety Month

April is Women’s Eye and Health Safety Month, and although vision loss can affect both men and women, women have a higher risk. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 61 percent of people that have cataracts and glaucoma are women. Additionally, up to 65 percent of patients with age-related macular degeneration also are women. Those conditions can lead to blindness. 

Why are women at higher risk? 

It is not completely clear why women develop vision loss more often than men, but there are a few theories. For instance, on average, women live longer than men. According to the World Health Organization, women outlive men by about six to eight years. Many of the eye diseases that lead to vision loss are age-related. So, it makes sense that more women would be affected.

In some cases, economic or social factors may play a role in a woman’s access to proper eye care. Although that tends to be more of an issue in developing countries, it may still be a factor in the United States.  
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Eye diseases that can lead to vision loss

Several eye diseases can lead to vision loss in women, including those listed below.

Cataracts: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20 million people in the United States have a cataract. A cataract involves the clouding of the lens in the eye. The CDC reports it is the top cause of vision loss in the U.S.

Age-related macular degeneration: This eye condition develops when the macula, which controls central vision, becomes damaged. Without central vision, it is difficult to carry on everyday activities, such as reading or driving a car.

Diabetic retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that may occur as a complication of diabetes. It involves progressive damage to the blood vessels supplying the retina.  Eventually, it can cause vision loss.

Glaucoma: Glaucoma involves damage to the optic nerve in the eye, which causes vision loss. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, in the United States, over 120,000 people have blindness due to glaucoma.  
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How women can preserve their vision 

Many causes of blindness in women are preventable. Consider the following ways to decrease your risk of eye diseases and vision loss.

Get regular eye exams: Many of the diseases that can lead to vision loss in women do not have symptoms in their early stages. But they can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. Most doctors recommend getting a baseline eye exam by age 40. But if you have risk factors for certain diseases, your doctor may recommend an exam sooner.

Learn your family history: If you have a family history of certain eye diseases, it may increase your risk of developing the condition. If possible, try to determine any eye diseases your parents had. Talk to your doctor about family history to determine any precautions you should take.

Wear sunglasses: Exposure to UV rays from the sun can increase your risk of some eye diseases. Always protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses outdoors.

Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight increases a person’s risk of various conditions, such as diabetes. Lowering your risk of diabetes can prevent diabetic vision-related eye conditions.

Manage underlying health conditions: Underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, can play a role in eye diseases that may threaten vision. Work closely with your doctor to manage health conditions before vision complications develop.

Stop smoking: Smoking increases a woman’s risk of various cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, which indirectly can lead to eye problems. Smoking is also thought to raise your risk of certain eye conditions, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. If you do smoke, talk with your doctor about ways to quit, such as medication or nicotine patches.

We hope the information above was helpful. If you have any questions on how to decrease your risk of vision loss and maintain healthy eyes, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to schedule an eye exam with one of our eye doctors, please call us at 508-746-8600. 
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