Women on average live longer than men and are able to have children, which is great news, but at the same time, these things put them at risk for eye problems. They are more likely to suffer from eye-related diseases and conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is why it’s so important for women to visit their eye doctor, and regularly.
Cataracts cloud your eyes and are the leading cause of blindness, often happening after the age of 40. You can have cataracts surgically removed, with this procedure the eye lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens implant. The surgery can improve sight by up to 95%.
Give Your Eyes a Break, Especially When You Use Contacts
Glaucoma
This is the second-leading cause of blindness and it occurs when the pressure in the eye is too high, causing damage to optic nerve. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with glaucoma and it might have to with the shape of their eyes. The front chamber between the iris and cornea is shallower in women than men. Hispanics are also at a higher risk for glaucoma. Many times you can get prescription drops to lower eye pressure, which delays the progression of glaucoma.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
This is the number 1 cause of vision loss in people over 40 in the U.S and women are at a higher risk since they live longer than men. AMD destroys part of your sight that helps you read and drive, it affects the middle of the retina, which controls fine detail vision. Genetics play a factor, but age, smoking and having light-colored eyes also show to raise risk. Often, a doctor can suggest special antioxidant and zinc supplements slow its progression, but they can also use laser treatments to destroy new blood vessels and medications to block their growth.
Women are more likely to suffer from dry eyes, especially during pregnancy because it can cause dry eyes, puffy eyelids and refractive chances that cause blurred or double vision. Changes in hormones during pregnancy and menopause can cause temporary eye conditions, such as dry eye and corneal swelling. Drinking plenty of water and using eye drops can help keep you eyes well lubricated.
What Can You do?
One of the easiest ways to protect your eyes from the sun is to wear a hat, and sunglasses with a UV filter, these will protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays, which cause cataracts. If you smoke, stop ASAP because this can block antioxidants from reaching the bloodstream, which means less blood flow to the retina.
Why Do We Get Dark Circles Under Our Eyes?
Keeping a healthy weight and exercising is not only good for your overall health, but it decreases the risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. People with high glucose levels run the risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic neuropathy, which is why it’s so important to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Eating low-fat meals that include greens, whole grains and eating fish twice a week or taking a 1,000 mg of a fish oil supplement daily is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids. Doing this also helps lower the risk of cataracts and slows down the progression of AMD.
