Are Men or Women More Likely to Have Vision Loss?
Partial or complete vision loss impacts the lives of 22.5 million Americans 18 or older according to a 2014 national health survey. You may think both men and women are affected by eye conditions or diseases equally, but in actuality, women make up 66% of those who are visually impaired or blind across the world. If you’re experiencing vision changes, eye pain or have recently had an eye injury, it’s important that you contact our ophthalmologist in NYC today to schedule your eye exam.
There are many reasons why women may suffer from vision loss more than men including:
- Longer Lifespan. Women often live longer than men, and most eye disease conditions are age-related including:
- Cataracts
- Macular Degeneration
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Hormone Changes. Both men and women have hormone fluctuations, but hormonal changes are more drastic with women due to pregnancy and menopause. Dry eye syndrome is thought to be connected to hormones, and women are two to three times more likely to have dry eyes.
- Healthcare Accessibility. Access to comprehensive annual eye exams is vital to preventing vision loss. Nearly all eye conditions can be treated, but they must be caught early. Many women forget to put their health first and put off visits to the eye doctor, but you must remember to take care of yourself.
- Lifestyle Choices. Your lifestyle impacts the health of your eyes more than you think. This risk factor is the same for men and women, and there are several detrimental habits that can put you at an elevated risk for vision loss and blindness such as:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Poor nutrition
- Uncontrolled diabetes
When was the last time you had an eye exam? Please call Dr. Pakeman in NYC today at 212-308-1566 to schedule your appointment. Manhattan Surgical Care offers ophthalmology services including eye surgery to patients in NYC, Manhattan and all of New York.