Vision is an important sense among the five senses we have, but the rise of digital eye strain in today’s society has worsened eye problems such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, making them the leading cause of blindness and Have become the major cause of visual impairment. It’s worth noting that women are more susceptible to developing these eye conditions due to both biological and social factors, but early treatment can help prevent women from experiencing vision problems or blindness.
Dr Sneha Shah, ophthalmologist and facial aesthetic surgeon at Lilavati Hospital, shared, “Both biological and social factors can be responsible for eye problems in women. Biological changes such as hormonal fluctuations during menopause, menstruation, pregnancy and breastfeeding play an important role. For example, estrogen acts as a protective factor for the eyes, making women more susceptible to eye problems after menopause. Pregnancy may also cause changes in tissue elasticity, which may affect refractive errors in nearsighted women. Additionally, gestational diabetes may accelerate the progression of diabetic retinopathy.”
She explained, “Although these biological factors cannot be changed, increasing awareness and promoting timely intervention among women can help address these issues effectively. Within the realm of social factors, a complex web of elements such as poverty, gender inequality, inadequate nutrition and limited access to education and health services interact to shape people’s lives. Gender inequality exacerbates these challenges by hindering educational opportunities for women and setting off a chain reaction of consequences. Loss of autonomy results in economic hardship and ultimately contributes to malnutrition. Furthermore, many women are not allowed to make choices about their own well-being.
Dr. Sneha Shah said, “Women are at a higher risk of developing certain eye problems than men, which highlights the need for specialized treatment tailored to their specific needs. Be it changes in vision during pregnancy or increased susceptibility to conditions like dry eye, women’s eye health needs special attention. By scheduling regular eye exams and providing early intervention, women’s quality of life can be greatly improved by addressing potential problems before they escalate or cause irreversible damage. Spreading awareness among women about the importance of maintaining good eye health can empower them to proactively protect their vision and overall well-being.
She advised, “It is important to take a holistic approach taking into account factors such as hormonal fluctuations, lifestyle choices and genetic predispositions to provide effective treatment for various eye concerns in women. Understanding how visual impairment can impact daily activities, emotional well-being, and independence underscores the importance of prioritizing comprehensive and gender-sensitive interventions to enhance women’s eye health outcomes. Equipping women with knowledge about common risk factors associated with specific eye diseases allows them to make informed choices about their visual health maintenance practices.
Dr. Nusrat Bukhari, Ophthalmologist at Apollo Spectra Mumbai brings his expertise and reveals, “Studies show that there is a gender difference in eye disease. Women are more likely than men to suffer from sight-threatening conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts and glaucoma. 65 percent of AMD cases are women; 61 percent of glaucoma and cataract patients are women and 66 percent of blind patients are women. There are some unique vision problems that require more attention from women than from men. Dry eyes occur at twice the rate in menopausal women.
She stressed that biological and social factors are responsible behind the prevalence of eye problems when it comes to women, highlighting, “Biological factors such as hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can impact eye health. Can affect the liver, causing conditions like dry eyes and vision changes. , A genetic predisposition to certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, may also contribute to a higher incidence of eye problems in women. On the social front, factors such as unequal access to health services and low rates of seeking preventive care may result in eye conditions in women going undiagnosed or untreated.
The health expert said, “Prioritizing family responsibilities over personal health can also prevent women from taking timely eye tests or treatment. Addressing these social barriers through increased awareness, access to regular screening, and promotion of self-care practices may help reduce the impact of these factors on women’s eye health. By educating women about their risk factors and encouraging proactive measures to maintain good eye health, it is possible to reduce disparities in vision care and promote overall well-being among all women.
