March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate women’s contributions to American history and society. It’s also an excellent opportunity to focus on women’s unique health needs, particularly eye health. Women over 55 should prioritize their vision health since they are at a higher risk for certain eye diseases. For instance, two-thirds of individuals living with blindness or visual impairment are women. AMBA is here to help you identify concerns and risks related to women’s eye health and the steps you can take to keep your eyes healthy.
Understanding Eye Health Risks for Women
Women are at a greater risk for several reasons, among them:
- Women experience normal age-related hormonal changes that may affect their eyes.
- Women are at a greater risk for autoimmune diseases.
- Women are more likely to undergo certain cancer treatments that may impact vision.
- Women tend to outlive men, and many eye conditions become more common as we age.
These factors contribute to the significant difference in eye health between the genders. The statistics are revealing: in each case, the incidence of women suffering from conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataracts, and visual impairments is over 60%.
Vision Challenges for Women Over 55
For the reasons above, women need to be aware of specific vision issues they may encounter. These include:
- Dry Eyes: This condition occurs twice as often in postmenopausal women. If you notice persistent dryness or irritation, don’t ignore it!
- Autoimmune Diseases: Women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome, which can affect vision.
- Hormonal Shifts: These can impact vision, especially as you age.
5 Ways Women Can Protect Their Eye Health
All too often, women put the needs of others before their own. However, it’s crucial to remain mindful of your health. Here are some empowering steps to take to safeguard your eyes:
- Eat Healthy: A balanced diet is essential for overall well-being. Emphasize a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Eye-friendly foods include citrus fruits, vegetable oils, nuts, dark leafy greens, and cold-water fish.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking is detrimental to eye health and increases the risk of diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. If you smoke, now is the perfect time to quit!
- Protect from the Sun: Always wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Wearing a hat during outdoor activities can also help shield your eyes from harmful rays.
- Know Your Family History: If you have a family history of conditions like macular degeneration or glaucoma, be proactive. Understanding your risk can help with early detection and better treatment options.
Use Cosmetics Safely: Keep your eye makeup fresh and replace it every three months to avoid infections from old products. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
These steps can help you enjoy healthier, happier eyes and prevent potential problems. Of course, eye exams are also essential. That’s why the Vision Plan from your association and AMBA covers annual comprehensive WellVision examinations. The plan also provides access to thousands of in-network providers nationwide and offers 100% coverage for most lenses, including progressives. Sign up today at www.AMBAdentalvision.com or call 866-979-0497. This Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate women’s achievements and take charge of our health and well-being—because your vision matters!
Sources:
www.nei.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health-pdfs/NEI101261-04-001HVM2017Infographic-r8.pdf
https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2023/04/why-women-need-pay-extra-attention-eye-health