4 Common Eye Conditions Among Women

Did you know that more women are blind or visually impaired than men are? It’s true. Nearly two-thirds of all visually impaired and blind people in the world are women. Some of the reasons behind this statistic include: women live longer, making them more prone to age-related eyesight problems; hormonal changes due to pregnancy, birth control pills and menopause; and other social, economical and behavioral factors.

Although women face various different vision problems, some of the most common eye conditions include cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy.

Eye Conditions Women Should Watch For

Cataracts -Although many people consider cataracts to be a disease of old age, they can form in eyes as young as infants. However, they are more common in older individuals. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and will affect almost every American at some point in their life.

Glaucoma- The fluid in the eyeballs flushes in and out continually. When the valve that allows the fluid to drain gets clogged, the pressure inside can build up, damaging the optic nerve. Early treatment is very successful, while a delay in treatment can result in permanent damage or blindness.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration – ARMD is the leading cause of vision loss among people age 50 and older. This condition causes damage to the macula, a small spot near the center of the retina and the part of the eye needed for sharp, central vision, which lets us see objects that are straight ahead.

Diabetic Retinopathy -In this disease, diabetes damages the blood vessels in the eyes, causing temporary and even permanent eye damage. It frequently presents with no symptoms at all, so annual exams are the only way to diagnose the disease.

The best way to treat any eye condition is to catch it early when it will respond best to treatment. Annual eye examinations are crucial for preventative eye health regardless of your age or environment. Contact VAL-Uvision for an appointment at one of our Jacksonville area offices.