Eye Health is an Important Matter for Women

Women’s Health. When you hear this term, where does your mind go? Women are quite familiar with the medical exams they need throughout life to stay as healthy as possible. As women age, the care they obtain from their primary healthcare provider changes. As it does, there is the good reason for a woman to start thinking about her eyes, as well. Here’s why . . .

Research has indicated a prevalence of certain eye conditions among adult women. Some of the common diseases that need to be on the radar include:

• Cataracts.
• Glaucoma.
• Vision disruption from refractive errors and other conditions.
• Dry eye syndrome.
• Age-related macular degeneration.
• Vision loss.

Explaining Statistics

Why do statistics for eye disease lean toward the female side of the population? There are a few potential explanations. No singular theory is necessarily right; perhaps there are combined factors at play in many women. Aside from family history for eye disease and contributing factors to eye disease, women may also be more susceptible because hormone changes in the body affect their eyes. For example, reduction in sex hormones estrogen and testosterone can make a woman’s eyes persistently dry. Systemic inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, also increases the risk of eye disease. Finally, research points out that women commonly live longer than men. A longer lifespan means more years in which eye disease, as well as general health conditions, may develop.

Taking a Stand

Women learn over time that they must take a stand for their health and wellness. To do so means to gain awareness about the conditions that may affect them. Fortunately, eye care does not require extensive research, nor complicated steps. Tips for healthy eyes through the ages include:

• Avoiding tobacco. Smoking, in particular, directly affects the eyes due to the proximity of toxic chemicals.
• Eating well, which means consuming fresh fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants and phytonutrients in fresh foods nourish the eyes for long-term health. Good dietary habits also decrease the risk of health conditions that have a secondary effect on the eyes.
• Managing eye health on a daily basis by engaging in hygienic practices with cosmetics and contact lenses, if applicable.
• Maintaining annual, comprehensive eye exams that include dilation.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about eye care or to schedule a consultation at our office in Amarillo TX, please call (806) 351-1177.