Your Go-To Guide to Women’s Eye Health

Women’s eye health is a critical aspect of overall wellness that often goes overlooked. In a previous post, I discussed how subtle signs of vision issues are easy to miss, such as straining to read text on screen or experiencing headaches. However, these can be early warning signs of underlying eye conditions, prompting the need for an eye check-up. More importantly, while both men and women are susceptible to eye conditions, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) points out that women have a higher likelihood of suffering from sight-threatening conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma. 

That indicates the need for tailored prevention strategies to help women preserve their eye health. Below, let’s explore research on gender differences in ocular health and disease and provide practical tips to help women maintain good vision health.

Gender differences in ocular health and disease

According to a study in the Journal of Midlife Health, there is evidence that gender differences exist regarding the incidence of ocular disease. The study found that sex hormones were one cause of the differences in the prevalence of some ocular diseases between men and women. In the case of dry eye syndrome, for instance, the researchers noted that dry eye affects twice as many women as men over 50. That was attributed to an imbalance of sex steroid hormones associated with advanced age and menopause.

Furthermore, the AAO also reports that 61% of glaucoma and cataract patients are women and that women make up 65% of AMD cases in the US. Unfortunately, all three conditions are the leading cause of vision loss in the US. This may be because, on average, women live longer, and many eye problems are related to age.

It’s worrying that a recent survey showed that less than 10% of women realize that they are at greater risk of ocular health issues than men. To help address this gap, here are some tips on how women can minimize their risk of developing eye conditions at every age. Let’s talk more about that below.

To preserve eye health, what women can do

There are several proactive steps women can take to prevent eye diseases. One is adopting a healthy diet rich in nutrients, which supports eye health. Foods that are dense in vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids have all been associated with lower risks of AMD and cataracts later in life. Aim to include colorful fruits, vegetables (leafy greens), nuts, and fish in your meal plan, if possible.

In addition to a nutritious diet, wearing sunglasses helps protect the eyes from harmful UV rays that increase risks of cataracts, AMD, and other eye conditions. Many ophthalmologists recommend avoiding cheap sunglasses that do more harm than good and instead opting for high-quality sunglasses from reputable retailers. Established brands like Ray-Ban, Burberry, and Oakley are good options available on accessible platforms such as Sunglass Hut. Consider styles like the Ray-Ban Aviator Total Black, which comes with polarized black lenses that offer high levels of sun protection. The larger frames also provide better coverage from sun exposure.

Lastly, schedule regular eye exams to understand your overall eye health better and avoid costlier treatments later by catching any issues early. Comprehensive eye exams go beyond simply checking accuracy of vision; they also allow doctors to detect early signs of potential issues, even if you don’t have apparent vision problems. That way, eye issues can be caught and treated sooner rather than later. Aside from visiting ophthalmologists in healthcare centers, you can also look at those in widely available stores such as Target. These tests are easy to book online to make scheduling easier.

Women’s eye health includes a range of considerations, from hormonal influences to age-related conditions. By staying informed and proactive about eye health, women can minimize the risk of vision problems and maintain clear vision throughout life. Regular eye exams, a healthy lifestyle, and protective measures against environmental factors are key parts of preserving women’s eye health for the long term.

For more health and wellness articles like this, visit the Health section of the When Women Inspire blog!

Photo by Alexander Grey via Unsplash.