According to Lighthouse International, several aspects that separate women from men contribute to greater risk factors when it comes to some areas of health. In fact, two-thirds of people in the U.S. who suffer from vision loss are women. This brings to the forefront the importance of women and eye health.

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According to Vision Aware, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts are all common diseases that can be exacerbated or caused by the aging process, especially in women. Any or all of these diseases can cause permanent, uncorrectable vision loss if not diagnosed early and treatment started in the onset. Only 9 percent of women realize they are at greater risk for eye disease, and by the time changes in vision are noticed and an exam is done, the damage is usually permanent.

Another factor affecting women and eye health are hormones, according to Vision Aware. Synthetic hormones are used for birth control in earlier years and for control over symptoms of menopause in our later years. While both applications have positive health benefits, they can also affect your vision. Synthetic hormones bring with them the risk of vascular complications such as blood clots and stroke, both of which can cause vision loss. Hormone replacement can also increase the chance of cataract formation. It is critical that you do not stop a hormone regimen, but consult a physician or your ophthalmologist to ensure your regimen is not affecting your vision.

Pregnancy brings with it an influx of hormones, therefore affecting vision, according to Vision Aware. Hormonal changes can cause dry eye syndrome which may not affect vision on its own; however, it may lead to infection or other complications. Further, hormone fluctuation can contribute to a change in your vision prescription, light sensitivity, and migraines, all of which may affect vision. Hormonal changes can also lead to the development of gestational diabetes. Since this is often an indicator that diabetes will develop within a maximum of ten years, comprehensive eye exams help in sustaining vision.

Do not allow your gender to dictate the course of your vision. Optos cares about women and eye health and would like to impress upon you the importance of booking and keeping your regular comprehensive eye exams.