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Most of us don’t think much about our eyesight until something starts to feel a little off. Maybe your eyes feel dry at the end of the day. Or you notice your vision isn’t quite as sharp as it used to be when driving. Perhaps you need the lights on in your home earlier in the day than you normally do. Whatever raises your awareness about it, don’t worry. These kinds of changes are common. Especially as we get older.
However, what many people don’t realise is that women tend to experience certain eye health problems more often than men. There are a few reasons behind this, including hormones, longer life expectancy, and higher rates of autoimmune conditions, which can all influence women’s eye health. Therefore, the more women know about these differences, the easier it will be for them to recognise their symptoms earlier and, therefore, take better care of their vision.
Here are some common eye health issues women should know about, as they are more likely to experience them than men.
What eye-health conditions are women more prone to experiencing than men?
Researchers have known for a while that certain eye conditions affect women at higher rates than in men. That is why it is important to have regular eye check-ups to identify early signs of trouble.
Some women also explore treatment options for improving their vision as they age. This includes procedures such as Focus Vision laser eye surgery.
Whether you choose to do this is up to you. But here are five ailments they should regularly monitor.
1. Dry eye syndrome
One of the most common vision problems in women is dry eye syndrome. This condition occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly.
While some women view tears as a negative, they are actually quite important because they help keep the eyes lubricated and comfortable. In addition, they also wash away dust and help protect the eye’s surface. Unfortunately, when the tear film becomes unstable, irritation can occur.
Symptoms of dry eye syndrome
Women with dry eye syndrome may experience several symptoms. They include:
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Red or irritated eyes
- Blurred vision that improves after blinking
- Sensitivity to light
- A feeling of grit or sand in the eyes
Why is dry eye more common in women
Hormonal shifts are one of the main reasons why dry eye syndrome in women occurs more frequently than in men. Both oestrogen and androgen levels influence tear production. Therefore, when many women experience menopause, they notice dryness in several parts of their bodies. This includes their eyes.
Lifestyle habits can also contribute to women succumbing to dry eyes. This can be particularly the case if they spend long hours on digital devices or working at computers in the office. It can result in them blinking less, which could increase tear evaporation and worsen dryness.
A good way to avoid this from happening is to follow the 20-20-20 rule. This states that you should take a 20 second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away.
2. Cataracts
Cataracts are another condition that appears more frequently among women. A cataract forms when the normally clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. Over time, the clouding affects how light enters the eye. This can make vision appear blurred or dull.
Early signs of cataracts
Early symptoms of cataracts can develop gradually over several years in women. But they may include:
- Cloudy or blurry vision
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
- Increased sensitivity to bright lights
- Colours appearing faded
Risk factors for cataracts
Age remains the biggest risk factor for succumbing to cataracts. However, since women tend to live around four years longer than men, the likelihood of them developing cataracts naturally increases.
That said, other risk factors may include:
- Long-term exposure to ultraviolet sunlight
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Certain medications, such as steroids
To reduce the likelihood of developing cataracts, it is important to wear sunglasses whenever you are outside. This will help to protect your eyes from the potential harm that overexposure to UV rays can bring.
3. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. This connects the eye to the brain and plays a crucial role in the transmission of visual information between them. If this nerve gets damaged, it could lead to permanent vision loss. Hence, it is important to detect it early. Here is some more about the unique vision challenges women face.
Why do women face a higher risk of glaucoma?
There are several factors that contribute to an increased risk of glaucoma in women. One of the main ones is age, because the condition becomes more common later in life. Another is hormonal changes that may influence eye pressure, while family medical history can also increase risk.
Why regular eye exams are essential
Glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms during the early stages of your life. Therefore, if you have relatives who have the condition, you should schedule regular eye exams due to your increased risk of getting it.
4. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Another condition that affects women at higher rates than men is age-related macular degeneration risk. This disease is more commonly known as AMD. It affects the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. This is what allows us to read, recognise faces, and perform simple tasks that require visual detail.
Symptoms of macular degeneration
According to the Macular Disease Foundation, one in seven women in Australia presents some evidence of suffering from AMD. The early symptoms of which may include:
- Blurry central vision
- Straight lines appear distorted
- Difficulty recognising faces
- Dark spots in the centre of vision
These changes may develop gradually over time. Hence, regular eye checks remain an important way to monitor them.
How to reduce your risk
To reduce your risk of suffering from long-term vision problems, here are some helpful habits you should practice:
- Eating a balanced diet rich in leafy greens and antioxidants
- Maintaining healthy blood pressure
- Staying physically active and exercising regularly
- Not smoking
- Getting good sleep
