April 29, 2019

A Focus on Women's Eye Health and Safety

Women are at a higher risk for eye disease and vision changes than men. 

While everyone's eye health is important, for the month of April we are focusing on women in honor of Women's Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month! Women, due to a variety of reasons, are at an increased risk for eye disease, vision fluctuation and dry eyes making yearly eye exams by your local eye doctor very important.

In the United States, women are living longer than men. In fact, according to United States Census Bureau, there are twice as many women than there are men age eighty-five and older. Women's older life expectancy naturally makes them more susceptible to developing the most common four age-related eye diseases: glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. This puts women at a higher risk of vision impairment and blindness overall.

Age is not the only factor contributing to women's increased risk for eye-related issues. Pregnancy, menopause and certain cancer treatments contribute as well. During pregnancy, for example, hormone levels change and can cause dry eyes and fluctuations in vision as well as puffy eyelids and migraines. These changes are typically temporary and return to normal after delivery or nursing.

The best way to prevent and detect eye-related issues and disease is to schedule regular eye exams with your local eye doctor. If you have developed an eye-disease, the physicians at Wolfe Eye Clinic offer specialty eye disease treatment, management, and surgical services to more than 40 communities across Iowa.

Give us a call at (800) 542-7956 to make an appointment with one of our medical specialists.