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(989) 291-6464Advanced Eyecare Professionals and the American Academy of Ophthalmology urges women to make eye health a top priority
Studies show there is a gender gap in eye disease. Women are more likely than men to suffer from sight-threatening conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma.1 In support of Healthy Vision Month in May, Advanced Eyecare Professionals and the American Academy of Ophthalmology remind women to make vision a top priority.
Women make up 65 percent of AMD cases; 61 percent of glaucoma and cataract patients are women, and 66 percent of blind patients are women.2 Why the inequity? There are a few theories. On average women live longer and many eye problems are age-related. Some eye conditions, such as dry eye, are more common in women, young and old. Social and economic factors affect women’s access to eye care, especially in developing countries.
Whatever the cause, there are a few unique vision problems women need to watch out for more than men. Dry eye occurs at double the rate in postmenopausal women.3 In general, women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases than men, many of which affect vision, such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome and hyperthyroiditis. Also, pregnancy can cause vision changes due to the hormones pregnant women experience.
“My mother was visiting a few years ago and asked to have a routine eye exam even though she was not having any symptoms. I discovered that she had new bleeding from macular degeneration. I was able to get her into treatment rapidly to try to save her vision,” said ophthalmologist David Harrell, M.D., who works locally with Advanced Eyecare Professionals. “Regular eye exams are a good way to pick up disease that might at first not be noticeable but which could become serious rapidly.”
Good news is most vision loss is preventable. The Academy offers five simple steps to take control of your eye health today:
“It’s important to understand eye exams are not just about checking visual acuity or sharpness, but also evaluating the overall health of the eyes,” said Michael Flohr, M.D., founder and lead ophthalmologist of Advanced Eyecare Professionals. “Making vision care a priority is important for both women and men. By having regular eye care it is possible to catch eye conditions early and help prevent vision loss.”
To learn more ways to keep your eyes healthy, speak with one of our ophthalmologists or optometrists; and/or visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart® website; www.aao.org/eye-health.
1. National Eye Institute
2. National Eye Institute
3. Am J Ophthalmol. 2003 Aug;136(2):318-26.
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