Women's Higher Risk

April 24, 2017

Women make up 65% of AMD cases; 61% of glaucoma and cataract patients are women, and 66% of blind patients are women. Why? There are a few theories. On average women live longer and many eye problems are age-related. Some eye conditions, such as dry eye, are more common in women, young and old. Social and economic factors affect women’s access to eye care, especially in developing countries.

Whatever the cause, there are a few unique vision problems women need to watch out for more than men. Dry eye occurs at double the rate in postmenopausal women. In general, women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases than men, many of which affect vision, such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome and hyperthyroiditis. Also, pregnancy can cause vision changes due to the hormones pregnant women experience. 

Good news is most vision loss is preventable. Here are five simple steps to take control of your eye health: 

1. Get a comprehensive medical eye exam at age 40
2. Know your family history
3. Eat healthy
4. Stop smoking
5. Wear sunglasses