Women’s Eye Health: 9 Things to Know

A lot of vision problems are age related. Since women tend to live longer than men they suffer more from vision challenges as they age. The fourth month of the year is Women’s Eye Health & Safety Month. This April, here are some things to know to help women take better care of their eyes.

1. Hormonal issues also cause vision problems. Dry eyes syndrome is very common after menopause and affects many middle aged and older women. Women are three times more affected by autoimmune diseases and vision issues is a serious side effect of this condition.
2. Women have higher rates of eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
3. Since women are the the primary users of contraceptives especially birth control pills, they are prone to its ocular complications such as cornea disturbances, dry eyes symptoms, lens opacities and ocular vascular and neurological complications.
4. Women tend to focus on the care of their family to the detriment of their own health, leading to eye issues which could have been handled when detected early to deteriorate and cause major damage.
5. Hormonal surge during pregnancy can cause vision changes. While these changes might reverse after delivery, women should be observant and note when it doesn’t so they can be properly attended to. Pregnant women should visit their eye doctor regularly.
6. A lot of women were cosmetic contact lenses and purchase them from non-professionals. Always order from a professional and follow all the instructions for insertion, use, removal, storage and preservation of the lenses. And do not share contact lenses.
7. Women should always remove their eye makeup before sleeping. Makeup should not be left in hot places that can break down the preservatives which ought to prevent the growth of bacteria.
8. A healthy diet of dark leafy vegetables can reduce the risk of age –related macular degeneration.
9. Women need to manage their blood sugar and blood pressure. This helps reduce the risk of blindness from cataracts or diabetic retinopathy

Women are always so busy taking care of others, sometimes they need someone to take care of them. So if you’re thinking of something to do for your wife, mother, relative, friend or sister this month, an eye checkup would be a great idea. Contact us for more information on eye care for the women in your life.