Did you know that nearly two-thirds of all visually impaired and blind people in the world are women? Diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration are more prevalent in women than men all over the world. This is due to a wide range of reasons, from biological to economical. In this blog, we will understand why women are at a higher risk of developing problems with their sight and what we can do about it. Why are women at a greater risk of age-related vision problems than men? Here are some theories to explain the gender gap in vision impairments and eye diseases.
- Women live longer than men in general According to statistics, the average woman is likely to live longer than the average men and a lot of eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and macular degeneration are directly related to the process of ageing. Therefore, it is natural that women account for a larger per cent of the visually impaired population simply because they live longer than men on average and are likely to experience vision problems in their old age.
- Women are more at risk of certain eye diseases like dry eye syndrome Some eye diseases like dry eye syndrome are more common in women than men, as they are linked to hormones. Women go through a lot of hormonal changes in their lives, which can lead to changes in vision and eye diseases.
- Women are also more likely to suffer from autoimmune diseases like arthritis and lupus, and they often experience vision loss as a side-effect of these diseases.
- Lack of access to medical facilities, especially in developing countries Due to social and economic reasons, women lack access to medical treatment required to keep their eyes healthy. This is common in developing countries where women often face societal or economic restrictions to regular eye care, which is crucial for a healthy vision and life.
Read Also: Have a look at our guide of how your age is Related to Your Eye DiseasesTips for women Even though more women suffer from vision problems more in general, that doesn’t mean every woman goes through eyesight problems. Here are some tips to keep your sight in good health:
- Exercise regularly. Our bodies need regular exercise to stay healthy and fit and similarly, regular exercise ensures your eyes are at their healthiest too.
- Eat a balanced diet By including supplements in your diet like Vitamins C, A, and other supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, you’re ensuring your body gets enough nutrition to keep your eyes healthy.
- Wear sunglasses UV-rays emitted by the sun are harmful to both our skin and eyes. The effects of UV-rays on our eyes is cumulative, which means the problems start showing up around old age. By wearing UV-ray blocking sunglasses in the summer, you’re ensuring your eyes don’t face any challenges down the years.
Conclusion Women are indeed at a greater risk than men to developing vision problems, but these risks can be mitigated with healthy habits and making quality eye care available to all.
