Shining a Light on Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Why Do We Need Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month?
As we progress further through April, there’s an important initiative we must recognise before the month is done: Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month.
Conceived by non-profit organisation Prevent Blindness, which was established by volunteers in 1908, the month-long movement aims to respond to data which shows women at higher risk of numerous eye diseases. Statistics from the US National Eye Institute indicate that two thirds of blind or vision impaired people are women. With this comes the need to educate and raise awareness so women can take proactive steps towards maintaining optimal eye health.
Early detection is essential for treating and preventing a number of major vision problems. However, women are often expected to put the health of their families first, juggling a multitude of responsibilities and potentially delaying eyecare they desperately need. This April, we encourage women everywhere to prioritise their eye health, even if all it requires is a simple routine eye test.
Why Are Women More Susceptible to Eye Diseases?
There are a few key reasons for why certain eye conditions are more prevalent in women:
Age-Related Diseases
Many vision issues occur as we age. The World Health Organisation’s World Report on Vision explains that, on average, women live longer than men and are therefore more likely to deal with eye diseases associated with ageing. With a higher life expectancy, it becomes necessary that women be educated on the eye conditions they are at risk of and take measures – such as regular eye tests – to screen for these.
Social and Economic Factors
Even without the factor of age, women globally outnumber men when it comes to distance vision impairment. Financial disparity is one cause for this, hindering women’s access to essential eyecare. This is especially true in developing countries where women are more vulnerable and less likely to be able to afford eyewear when compared to men.
Hormone Fluctuations
Additionally, fluctuating hormone levels during pregnancy and menopause present eye health issues unique to women. In pregnancy, common vision changes include blurriness, dry eye, refraction changes and increased sensitivity to light, however these symptoms usually reverse after birth. Women with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma or high blood pressure should consult with their optometrist during pregnancy to avoid complications.
Meanwhile, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women may experience decreased tear production resulting in dry eye disease. Hormone variations can also affect corneal thickness leading to vision changes, as well as raising intraocular pressure which increases the risk of glaucoma.
Keep an Eye Out for These Eye Conditions
Although men and women are both at risk of developing most eye conditions, some affect women at much higher rates. A few to keep an eye out for include:
Cataracts
Cataracts are a condition in which the eye’s lens clouds, causing blurry vision as well as sometimes double vision, susceptibility to glare, and frequent refractive changes. During menopause, the withdrawal effect of estrogen can increase the risk of cataracts.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma describes a number of conditions which cause damage to the optic nerve, often developing without noticeable symptoms in early stages and resulting in vision loss. Women outnumber men in glaucoma cases and are more susceptible to acute angle closure glaucoma.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
As women generally live longer than men, the likelihood of being diagnosed with AMD is higher. This disease affects the macula, impacting central vision and the ability to read, recognise faces, and see fine details, as well as distorting straight lines. AMD may develop without obvious symptoms in its initial stages, so regular eye tests are essential.
Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or they are of poor quality. Symptoms include an array of uncomfortable itchy, gritty and stinging sensations, as well as tiredness, blurriness and sensitivity to light. A comprehensive study found that women are, on average, diagnosed with dry eye six years earlier than men, impacting their quality of life.
Autoimmune Diseases
Some autoimmune diseases which are significantly more prevalent in women can also cause eye problems ranging from dryness and discomfort to eye damage and vision loss. Examples include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and thyroid eye disease.
Regular Eye Tests Keep Your Vision on Track
A routine comprehensive eye exam is your best defence when it comes to eye diseases. Early detection allows for prompt treatment which gives you the chance to mitigate the effects of some conditions.
Medicare allows a bulk billed comprehensive eye test for valid Medicare cardholders once every three years if under the age of 65, and annually if 65 or older. Even if your vision seems unchanged, a regular eye exam is essential for diagnosing eye diseases which may initially develop without noticeable symptoms.
Optical Superstore offers space for experienced independent optometrists to operate with your eye health as their sole concern. If you’re experiencing vision changes or are due for a routine check-up, book an appointment today at your nearest location.
More Ways to Protect Your Vision
Maintain great eye health with some simple habits:
Eat Healthy
A balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, fish and lean meats helps reduce inflammation and contribute to great eye health.
Get Active
Conditions such as diabetes have the potential to significantly impact your vision. Reducing your risk of these through exercise ultimately helps maintain healthy vision.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can increase the possibility of developing conditions including cataracts, uveitis, diabetic retinopathy and AMD. Female smokers over the age of 80 are 5.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with AMD than their non-smoker equivalents.
Manage Medical Conditions
Reduce your risk of eye health complications by monitoring and managing conditions which have the potential to impact your eyesight with the help of a healthcare professional. Be aware of relevant family medical history, seek treatment early and be proactive about follow-up care.
Wear Sunglasses
Extended exposure to UV rays can damage your eyes and increase the possibility of cataracts, pterygia, photokeratitis and more. Wearing sunglasses is the best way to protect your eyes while outside – especially those of a close-fitting, wraparound style.
Use Safety Eyewear
Safeguard your eyes from potential danger with certified safety glasses. Whether working with hazardous materials on the jobsite, using power tools recreationally, or playing sports, safety eyewear is built for maximum protection in situations where eye injury is danger.
Review Your Eye Health this April
Women worldwide are disproportionately affected by eye diseases compared to men. This Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, remember to prioritise your eyes, whether it be through maintaining a healthy lifestyle, wearing protective eyewear or scheduling an all-important routine eye test. By understanding eye conditions that predominantly affect women, you can make informed decisions about your eyecare and take steps towards avoiding vision loss.
Speak to a qualified tenant optometrist at your nearest Optical Superstore today by booking online through our website. Most eye tests are bulk billed. By taking preventative measures early and keeping up to date with regular eye tests, you’re actively and easily investing in the future of your eye health.
Information in this article is not intended to be followed in place of advice from a qualified optometrist or other medical professional.
