Did you know that women account for nearly two-thirds of all blindness and vision loss worldwide?
Women are significantly more likely than men to develop conditions such as chronic dry eye, age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Cataracts, and Glaucoma. This increased risk is often linked to longer life expectancy, hormonal changes, and higher rates of autoimmune diseases.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Women face a higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) than men and account for approximately 65% of all cases.
Higher Risk and Severity: Women are more likely to develop the wet form of AMD, which can lead to sudden vision loss. Symptoms in women also tend to progress more quickly and can be more severe, particularly after age 75.
Hormonal Factors: Changes in hormone levels, especially the decline of estrogen during menopause, may contribute to increased risk by impacting retinal health.
Lifestyle and Prevention: Certain lifestyle factors-including smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise-can significantly increase the risk of AMD. Maintaining healthy habits and scheduling routine eye exams are important for early detection and management.
Recommendations for Women:
- Schedule regular eye exams – Comprehensive, dilated, eye exams are especially important after age 50.
- Quit smoking – Smoking is one of the most significant controllable risk factors.
- Eat a balanced diet – Foods rich in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids can help support eye health.
- Know your family history – Genetics can play an important role in AMD risk.
Auto Immune Related Eye Issues
Women are roughly 50% – 80% more likely to develop auto-immune diseases than men. These women often experience eye-related side effects like severe dry eye, inflammation (uveitis/scleritis), or Graves’ eye disease.
Other Autoimmune Eye Conditions include:
Sjögren’s Syndrome: A major cause of chronic dry eye, often leading to a “gritty” sensation, irritation, and corneal damage due to reduced moisture.
Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves’ Orbitopathy): 70% – 80% of cases occur in women, leading to inflammation behind the eye, causing protruding eyes, double vision, and light sensitivity.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Frequently causes severe dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and scleral inflammation (scleritis).
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Can cause retinal damage, vasculitis, and severe dry eye.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Often presents with optic neuritis, leading to vision loss and pain with eye movement
In addition, many medications prescribed to treat autoimmune diseases can have side effects that affect eye health. Because of this, it is important to have regular comprehensive eye exams to monitor for any vision changes or potential eye-related complications. Routine exams help ensure that any issues are detected early and managed appropriately.
