"Seeing Eye Health as a Women's Issue"

When we think of women’s health concerns, eye disease does not make the list. However, it is a significant women’s health issue. The condition of our vision determines how we live our lives. William B. Hart, M.D., an ophthalmologist at Hart Eye Center says, “We interact with the world through vision. In fact, 60 percent of the central nervous system is involved with vision.”

According to the Schepens Eye Research Institute, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, approximately two-thirds of the 3.4 million visually impaired Americans are women. In addition, two-thirds of the one million blind Americans are also women. Nearly all eye-related conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and cataracts, are more prevalent in females.

Researchers have not determined why women experience higher rates of eye disease and vision loss, but most agree that the causes may stem from women’s tendency to live longer than men and the higher rate in women of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s syndrome—all of which can have a significant impact on vision.

The good news is, 75 percent of eye diseases can be prevented and corrected. Knowing how to defend your eyes against these threats, both in terms of proper eye protection and lifestyle changes, will help you see more clearly.

The key to maintaining healthy vision is the combination of early detection and prevention. It’s important to take actions to protect your vision at an early age. Dr. Hart says, “Start taking care of your eye problem in your forties, not when it’s broken in your seventies.” 

The first step is to take charge of your eye care. If you are having a problem, do not wait for it to subside or worsen. See an eye doctor. Dr. Hart says, "The latest procedures and technology allow us to correct most problems comfortably and efficiently. Poor eyesight should be a thing of the past, not a problem of the future, so it is best for patients to receive treatment when a vision problem is discovered."

Even if you are not experiencing any vision problems, you should maintain regular eye care to prevent the possibility of suffering from diseases or conditions in the future. After age forty you should have an annual eye exam. Dr. Hart says “Every woman in her forties should start a relationship with an eye doctor.”

When you are meeting with your doctor, be aware of factors that may have negative effects on the eye, such as airplane travel, sunlight, wind, smoking, computers, poor diet and family background. A discussion with the doctor can help modify the potential impact of these factors.

The second step toward healthy vision is to combat eye conditions through prevention.

As with most health issues, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet; poor nutrition can lead to serious eye conditions. Keith Menard, O.D., an optometrist at Hart Eye Center, says, “One simple way to keep your eyes healthy is to eat a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables as well as other vitamins.”

Another important preventive measure is to wear sunglasses to limit your exposure to the sun. Dr. Menard says, “It’s vital to shield your eyes from the sun. Ultraviolet rays can cause damage to the eye. Increased exposure to UV rays increases the chance of developing some types of cataracts, and UV rays have also been linked to an increased chance of developing eye problems such as pterygium, tissue growth on the white of the eye, and macular degeneration, damage to the retina.”

In addition to diet and sun protection, Dr. Hart and Dr. Menard advise women to practice the following tips:

•    Quit smoking. Smokers have much higher rates of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

•    Be conscious of your weight. Being overweight puts you at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness.

•    Exercise, even if it’s just taking a 30-minute walk every day.  Researchers are finding that regular exercise can reduce the affects of glaucoma.

•    Change your eye makeup every three to six months, especially mascara, liner and powder. Over time makeup becomes contaminated with bacteria from your lashes and lids and can infect the eye.

Following the steps to maintain healthy vision can save your eyesight.  Dr. Menard says, “Individuals are responsible for maintaining their own health, there are easy ways to prevent permanent eye disease.”

Hart Eye Center specializes in total eye care for all ages, including cataract removal and LASIK vision correction. Contact Hart Eye Center at 439-4014 for more information on how to take care of your vision.