As a general rule of thumb, women are at greater risk for eye problems than their male counterparts. In fact, according to an article by Lighthouse International, two-thirds of people in America who suffer from vision impairment are women. The reasons are numerous, ranging from life expectancy to hormone control. Here are a few of the factors that increase women’s risk for eye problems, as well as an explanation of why regular eye exams are important in combating the issue.
Age
Because women tend to live longer than men, they naturally have a greater chance of developing eye health issues that are age-related, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. As if that isn’t bad enough, these conditions all have the ability to cause uncorrectable loss of vision. So while living longer is one advantage women can claim over men, it doesn’t come without its downfalls.
Pregnancy and Hormones
Women have to deal with much more than men in the way of body changes and developments. Pregnancy, birth control, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can all lead to vision issues in one way or another, whether directly or indirectly. Birth control and HRT can both lead to side effects like stroke and blood clots, which often cause eye problems. Additionally, HRT can increase women’s risk of cataracts.
Pregnancy can also cause a woman to see changes in her vision. Here are some common eye concerns that pregnant women face:
- A change in lens prescription;
- Dry eye syndrome;
- Vision-disturbing migraines;
- Gestational diabetes – which can lead to blindness.
It’s important to see an eye doctor right away if you’re pregnant and experience vision problems, since these could be a sign of – or lead to – a more serious condition.
Prevention
For women, prevention is the key to good eye health. Just as with everything else in a woman’s body, your eyes need extra care and attention. Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial to maintaining your eye health. Don’t ignore possible problems; even minor concerns should be addressed during eye exams. To learn more about women’s eye health, or to schedule an eye exam, contact Valley EyeCare Center today.
