Is Women Eye Health Different?

Some eye illnesses affect women more frequently than men. For most disorders studied, women have a more significant burden of visual impairment. Even though we don’t know why this is happening, it’s critical to safeguard your eyesight by being aware of the dangers and preventing eye disease. 

Causes of Low Vision and Blindness in Women

Women are more susceptible to eye problems such as low vision and blindness since women are exposed to many eye health problems such as:

Cataract

Epidemiological studies show that cataracts affect women more frequently than men. Not only are females more likely than males to have their cataracts removed, as is the situation in the West, but various population-based studies demonstrate that females are more likely than males to suffer lens opacities, particularly cortical ones. 

Lifestyle-related factors have not been proven to source this gender disparity. Consequently, the involvement of estrogen in cataract formation has become the focus of attention. Hormone therapy may protect against cataracts by reducing the chance of them developing, even if the evidence on its role in cataractogenesis is inconsistent. 

Menopause-induced cataracts are thought to be caused by a withdrawal effect rather than a drop in estrogen levels, as has been postulated. According to research, estrogen has several anti-aging products that explain why women live longer lives than men. These effects include enhancing metabolism, protecting the brain, and maintaining the telomeres. 

Research has looked at both cell culture and animal models to understand further how estrogens affect lens epithelial cells under oxidative stress.

Dry Eyes Diseases (DED)

Dry eye disease (DED) is an ocular surface and tear balance problem which causes pain and vision disturbances. DED, if left untreated, has the potential to become a long-term and debilitating condition.

Compared to men, women are more likely to be diagnosed with DED, have more severe symptoms, and are diagnosed at a younger age. There is a clear link between DED and autoimmune illnesses, particularly those that severely affect women.

Wellness-based DED treatment appears to work best for women, based on questionnaires.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration 

It’s no surprise that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects a more significant percentage of the population. Even if you’re young, you have a greater chance of contracting the condition as you get older.

Dry and moist AMD are two distinct forms of the disease. It is crucial to know about the disease’s causes and the best ways to maintain your eyes healthy.

People with AMD are more likely to be female than male. Because women tend to live longer than men, this could be a factor. 

How Can Women Protect their Eyesight? 

That’s an excellent question, given that we believe that we can prevent or cure three-quarters of all cases of blindness and visual loss. We can lower our risk of eye illness by making simple lifestyle changes. To get you started, consider these fundamentals: 

• Avoid Smoking: Many eye problems, including AMD, cataracts, and glaucoma, have been related to smoking. Smoking has also been associated with retinal vascular occlusions and strokes, and it may exacerbate diabetic retinopathy already present. Therefore, women should avoid smoking.
• Wear Sunglasses: Every time you go outside, make sure you’re wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim, even if it’s cloudy. AMD and cataracts may be linked to long-term exposure to bright sunshine. 
• Eat a Healthy Diet: To keep your eyes healthy, follow the same dietary advice that helps to keep your heart healthy. There are two carotenoids in the retina and lens of the eye: lutein and zeaxanthin. According to researchers, people who eat foods high in antioxidants may be able to slow the progression of AMD and cataracts. These chemicals can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Some dietary supplements also include lutein. Consume oily fish such as tuna and almonds, eggs, and beans.

Conclusion 

Eye health is an essential factor that determines your overall health. Regular eye checkups can help diagnose eye problems early and treat them accordingly. It is vital to have a healthy lifestyle and diet so that you don’t have vision loss or other eye diseases in the future. However, if you face any problem related to your eye health, visit MARHAM.PK to consult the best Eye Specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1- Why Women are more Linked to Eye Diseases? 

On average, women live longer than men, and we don’t yet know why. People who have a higher risk of developing age-related disorders such as AMD are more likely to do so. Women are more likely than males to suffer vision loss due to AMD, even with age-adjusted data. 

2- Does makeup link with eye health in women? 

Women should replace their eye makeup every three months and clean their makeup brushes and eyelash curler because outdated makeup can harm women’s eyes.

3- Is there any link between eye health with family history? 

Make sure your eye doctor is aware of your family’s medical history, and if an eye condition is found to run in your family, have them examine for early indicators of the disease. You may be able to do anything to prevent or reduce the progression of the disease in some cases. For instance, glaucoma sneaks up on you and does its harm without notice.

4- What is the benefit of eye health education for women? 

For women, the more they are aware of the dangers they face, the better Pay attention to your eyes between your regular eye examinations. Get checked out if you’re experiencing pain or irritation or if you notice anything out of the ordinary in your range of vision.