Women are at greater risk of vision impairment than men; the result of their longer life expectancy and the fact that all ocular diseases and conditions grow more prevalent with age. Two thirds of the 3.4 million Americans with a visual impairment are women, and two thirds of the one million blind Americans are women. A study by the Society for Women’s Health Research showed 84% of menopausal women with dry eye did not know the conditions were related. These are compelling examples of the need for more public awareness concerning eye health.
The good news is that 75% of vision impairment has the potential to be prevented with lifestyle changes. These lifestyle changes begin with seeking yearly eye health evaluations with your primary eye care professional, an Optometrist. Asking questions, becoming educated, and then taking action are the steps that follow.
GET THE FACTS:
- Eye diseases that result in permanent vision loss are typically slow to develop and do not cause pain. Absence of pain is certainly preferred however, without early symptoms patients believe because their vision seems clear they must be doing well. By the time eye diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma affect central vision, the disease processes are advanced, and intervention is less favorable. Sometimes eye diseases are simply age-related degeneration and other times they are genetic. Having other health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure or autoimmune diseases can increase the chance of having eye disease.
- The number of individuals developing diabetes yearly in the US is exceedingly high and continues to rise. Diabetic eye disease is currently the leading cause of blindness in the US. The ratio of men to women with diabetes in the US is about equal however, the percentage of women is slightly higher in other countries. People with diabetes need to be aware they have an increased risk of glaucoma, dry eye, cataracts, and retinal hemorrhaging.
- Studies have shown that women are at greater risk for developing age-related macular degeneration than men. The chance of getting macular degeneration increases for a woman if she smokes, is farsighted, has fair skin, or has a relative with the disease.
- Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the US and the number one cause of blindness in African Americans. The incidence of glaucoma increases with age in fact, turning forty is a risk factor for glaucoma. Because women live longer, they are more likely to develop glaucoma during their lifetime.
- Cataracts are quite common and affect more than half of American adults over the age of sixty-five. Certain types of cataracts, specifically the kind that affects the capsule of the natural lens, occur more often in women. These are called subcapsular cataracts.
- Lifestyle changes can help cut your chances of getting an eye disease. No one can stop the aging process, however, if you are a smoker, stop. In addition, eating fruit and dark green vegetables, exercising, and monitoring your blood sugar, all have proven benefits. Finally, talk to your relatives to see if you have a family history of any eye diseases. Arming yourself with knowledge can help protect your eye health.
If it has been a while since your last eye health and vision exam, please contact our office in Stillwater at 405-372-1715. We also invite you to visit our website at www.cockrelleyecare.com and message us on Instagram and Facebook at Cockrell Eye Care Center!