It’s true! Studies have found that two of every three individuals with blindness or visual impairment are women, and diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts are more common in females. Medical professionals point to a few factors that might be behind these statistics:
- Women tend to live longer than men
- Women have a higher risk for autoimmune disorders
- Women are more likely to receive cancer treatments that may affect visual health
- Women experience age-related hormone changes that impact their eyes
For women seeking resources regarding visual impairment, healthy eye care practices, and ongoing support, we are happy to recommend Women’s Eye Health (WEH), an organization formed in response to the troubling statistics above. Their mission is to educate and promote awareness of women’s eye health issues. Their website and social media presence offer information on the causes of vision loss, prevention, statistics, and eye health news.
At North Toronto Eye Care, we encourage all patients and individuals to work towards greater eye health – a key component of which is working toward a healthy lifestyle. Other habits that can help to lower a person’s risk for visual impairment and blindness include:
- Regular dilated eye exams (we suggest once a year)
- Learning your family health history
- Using protective eyewear and sunglasses when necessary
Monitoring your eye health all begins with a comprehensive, dilated eye exam. Request an appointment today and visit us at North Toronto Eye Care of Ontario for your exam and ongoing eye care needs.