April is Women’s Eye Health Month, bringing awareness to the importance of regular eye exams. Women tend to have more vision changes and health issues concerning their eyes. Over 3.6 million of the people living in the United States over 40 years of age suffer from some type of visual impairment, 2.3 million of these people are women, according to the National Eye Institute and Prevent Blindness America.
According to the Friends for Sight, there are several reasons why eye problems are more prevalent in women.
Menopause: Women who undergo menopause may experience dry eye syndrome and uveitis (eye inflammation).
- Birth control/HRT: These may cause blood clots and strokes which can cause vision problems. Birth control/HRT can also increase women’s chances for cataracts and dry eye.
- Pregnancy: There are several changes that take place in a woman’s body during pregnancy, and eyes are not left out. Dry eye syndrome, light sensitivity, prescription changes, and eye puffiness are the most common eye problems seen in pregnant women. Migraines are common with pregnant women, which can cause light sensitivity. Higher blood pressure during pregnancy can cause blurry vision and retinal detachment.
- Fertility drugs: Women who take fertility drugs may experience spots in their vision.
- Breast cancer: Drugs taken to treat or prevent breast cancer can increase your risk of cataracts, eye bleeds, itchy eyes, and light sensitivity.
- Autoimmune diseases: Women are more likely to experience lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren’s syndrome (this destroys the glands in the eye and mouth that produce moisture). These diseases can impact the eye negatively.
The American Optometric Association recommends having a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year, “Periodic eye and vision examinations are an important part of preventive health care. Many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms. As a result, individuals are often unaware that problems exist. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems are important for maintaining good vision and eye health, and when possible, preventing vision loss.”
Don’t put if off any longer, schedule your comprehensive eye exam today with Lake Nona Eye Care or call us at 407-658-9990