According to volunteer eye health and safety organization Prevent Blindness, only 10% of women are aware of the fact that they are more likely to suffer health conditions that can threaten their eyesight than men. But why is this the case?
Why Are Women More at Risk of Eye Problems?
- Longer life expectancy: Women live five years longer than men on average. The longer people live, the more likely they are to experience eye problems.
- Hormones: Hormone levels in women normally fluctuate at certain times, such as before or during menstruation, during pregnancy or during menopause. This may include surges of estrogen, which can affect vision. Fluctuations, in fact, can increase chances of dry eye syndrome in women.
- Medication: Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications like birth control pills can affect women’s vision, especially if they are administered in high doses over an extended period of time.
Common Eye Problems for Women
- Cataracts: It is a condition in which the internal lens becomes cloudy and turns yellow, obstructing the light entering the eyes. It is one of the leading causes of blindness, especially among seniors.
- Glaucoma: It is a condition in which ocular pressure inside the eye causes damage to the optic nerve. While this affects both men and women, the latter are two to four times more likely to experience closed-angle glaucoma.
What to Do to Preserve Your Eye Health
- Visit your doctor. As you progress in age, the more likely you are to be at risk for eye problems. Depending on how healthy your eyes are, you must schedule yearly or twice-a-year consultations with your eye doctor.
- Eat healthy. Keeping your eyes in good shape starts with your food intake. Many eye doctors reiterate the need to eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins A, C, E, Omega-3 and zinc. These vitamins support your eye health.
From comprehensive exams to vision correction prescriptions, Vienna Eyecare Center has everything you need to keep your eye health in check. Call us now at (703) 938-7633, or fill out our contact form for an appointment. We serve clients in Vienna, Reston and McLean, VA.