3 min read
The World Health Organization estimates that women account for nearly 65% of the visually-impaired population globally. We checked in with ophthalmologist Dr. Marcus Marcet about which problems women are most at-risk of contracting and why women are more susceptible to these disorders.
General rule:
Both women and men should visit their eye doctor if they are over the age of 40 or earlier if they have a family history of eye problems or another medical condition.
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens, making vision increasingly difficult. They’re the most common cause of vision degeneration and loss in people over 40. Cataracts are associated with aging, diabetes, individuals taking long-term steroid medications, and UV light exposure.
Signs and symptoms
The first sign of cataracts is a slight blurring of your vision, as if looking at the world through a piece of cloudy glass. According to ophthalmologist Dr. Marcet It’s important to visit your eye doctor if you experience cloudy vision as early intervention may prevent it from further degeneration.
Prevention
As they’re often primarily a result of aging, cataracts can be hard to avoid. Several studies have found links between intake of vitamin E (found in spinach, sunflower seeds and almonds) and carotenoids (found in leafy green vegetables) and a lower risk of developing cataracts. Wearing sunglasses can also help to minimize exposure to UV light. If cataracts have begun to develop, some patients will be offered surgery, glasses or other visual aids.
Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness and is also associated with age and genetics. Individuals with glaucoma have irreversible damage to their optic nerve.
Signs and symptoms
Glaucoma often has few signs or symptoms other than increased pressure within the eyeball, only detectable by a physician.
Prevention
As glaucoma is age-associated and inherited, it’s important to visit your eye doctor regularly as you age and/or if you have a family history of glaucoma to help detect it as it develops, according to Dr Marcus Marcet.
Age-related macular degeneration is also a common condition, most common in individuals over 50. It occurs when the macula, the area in the eye required for the sharp vision of objects directly ahead of you, is damaged. Age and smoking both increase your chances of developing age-related macular degeneration.
Signs and symptoms
The early stages of age-related macular degeneration can be difficult to detect. For many people, the first noticeable symptom is blurred vision and straight lines becoming distorted.
Prevention
Like glaucoma and cataracts, it’s difficult to prevent age-related macular degeneration. That being said, early detection can help slow the degeneration of your vision.
Ophthalmologist Dr. Marcet says eye syndrome happens when tear ducts no longer provide adequate tears to lubricate the eyes. Dry eye syndrome occurs more often in women, particularly menopausal or perimenopausal women.
Signs and symptoms
Without enough tears or tears that evaporate too quickly, the eyes become itchy, irritated, burn and tear excessively.
Prevention
While you cannot avoid dry eye syndrome from developing, there are a few ways you can avoid flare-ups. Stay away from environmental triggers (smoke, computer screens, dry air), use lubricating eye drops, and speak to your physician to see whether any medication you’re on is exacerbating your condition.
While initially mild, aging changes around the eyes can eventually block vision. Although there is equal gender distribution for eyelid problems, over 80% of such surgery patients are women.
Signs and symptoms
As the skin covers up the eyelids and lashes, applying eye makeup becomes harder. Later the eyelid skin sags and can block vision, especially in downgaze when reading. The visual defects from excess upper eyelid skin can mimic those seen in glaucoma.
Prevention
Prevention of skin changes around the eyes and face parallels the strategy for cataracts in the eyes, since both are influenced by UV light exposure. Using wide-brim hats outdoors, applying daily sunscreen and wearing sunglasses consistently can help minimize sun exposure.
There are numerous risk factors for ophthalmic problems, some specific to women and some more general. Here are the main ones according to ophthalmologist Dr. Marcet:
Patients can search for ophthalmologists through the Medical Council of Hong Kong, which maintains a registry of General and Specialist doctors.
Reviewed by Dr. Marcus M. Marcet.
Dr. Marcus M. Marcet is a Specialist in Ophthalmology in Hong Kong and a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Marcet holds Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor appointments at HKU and CUHK. Dr. Marcet's subspecialty interest is in oculoplastic surgery. He is currently practicing at Beacon Medical Centre in Central.
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
Healthy Matters is Hong Kong’s leading health resource. Our mission is to help you make better health decisions and take control of your health.
Our team of experts is committed to producing reliable health content that is accurate, engaging and relevant, to cover your health & wellness journey from prevention to treatment.
Whether you are looking for trusted information on health conditions, wellbeing or looking for the right doctor or service in Hong Kong, we’re here to help!
Your health matters. Begin your health journey with Healthy Matters today!