Empowering women through comprehensive eye health care

As we celebrate Women’s Day in March, it’s important to look into an important part of women’s overall well-being: their eye health. Extensive research, particularly the study conducted by Aninye et al. (2021), reveals major differences in women’s eye health when compared to their male companions. These findings highlight the urgent need for focused treatments and increased awareness efforts to address the numerous issues women experience in protecting their vision.

The findings of Aninye et al.’s study are substantial, indicating that women face a significantly greater risk of visual impairment and serious eye illnesses. This inequality is not just due to biological differences, but is also closely linked to socioeconomic factors that influence health, insufficient educational resources, and restricted screening and treatment options. The importance of closing these inequalities cannot be emphasised, since improving women’s eye health benefits not just individual patients but also the overall health trend of communities.

According to a Prevent Blindness survey, less than 10% of women are aware that they have a higher chance of permanent loss of vision than men, with an unbelievable 86% incorrectly believing that men and women are at equal risk and just 5% recognising that males have a higher risk. Unfortunately, one in every four women has not had an eye checkup in the recent two years, underlining the critical need for enhanced awareness and preventative steps to protect women’s eye health.

When exploring deeper into specific ocular illnesses, disorders such as thyroid eye disease (TED), dry eye disease (DED), and the special ocular problems of pregnancy emerge as major issues mostly impacting women. Despite the urgency of these disorders, women frequently experience difficulties to receiving early and proper treatment, because of demographic and socioeconomic variables. Thus, an organised effort is required to promote awareness and execute targeted solutions to provide equitable eye care access for all.

However, addressing the complexities of women’s eye health requires a sophisticated awareness of gender-specific details and risk factors, as explained by Korpole et al. (2022). Hormonal changes, lifestyle decisions, and family history all influence women’s ocular health outcomes, necessitating a comprehensive strategy that includes preventative measures, early tests, and focused treatment options.

Zetterberg’s (2016) meticulously detailed worldwide panorama of visual impairment and blindness serves as a devastating reminder of the common nature of gender disparities in eye health. Efforts to overcome these gaps must be comprehensive, addressing not just access to essential treatments such as cataract surgery, but also the larger sociocultural reasons that maintain these inequalities.

Furthermore, the insights provided by Hicks, Owen, and DeAngelis (2021) emphasise the need of research-driven therapies and active engagement of women in clinical investigations. By advocating for frequent eye exams, providing accurate information, and creating a culture of proactive eye health management, the optometry community plays a critical role in breaking down barriers and promoting equitable eye health outcomes for all people, regardless of gender.

The route towards equitable eye health care for women requires a collaborative effort including healthcare providers, advocacy organisations, legislators, and the community at large. By addressing inequities, raising awareness, and advocating evidence-based therapies, we can enable women to take control of their eye health journey, assuring a future in which vision impairment is no longer a barrier to their ambitions and well-being.

Here are some practical tips customized specifically for women to prioritize and maintain their eye health:

  1. Regular eye exams: Schedule comprehensive eye examinations with an optometrist or ophthalmologist at least once every two years, or more frequently if you have existing eye conditions or risk factors.
  2. Know your family history: Be aware of any hereditary eye conditions or diseases within your family. Understanding your genetic predispositions can help in early detection and proactive management.
  3. Protective eyewear: Wear appropriate eye protection when engaging in activities that pose a risk of eye injury, such as sports, DIY projects, or working with hazardous materials.
  4. Healthy lifestyle choices: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote eye health. Stay hydrated and limit the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, as they can adversely affect vision.
  5. Manage chronic conditions: Take proactive steps to manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune disorders, as they can impact eye health. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations diligently.
  6. Screen time management: Practice the 20-20-20 rule when using digital devices: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and focus on something 20 feet away to reduce eye strain.
  7. UV protection: Wear sunglasses that offer UV protection when outdoors, even on cloudy days. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions.
  8. Contact lens hygiene: If you wear contact lenses, follow proper hygiene practices to prevent eye infections. Clean and disinfect your lenses as instructed, and avoid wearing them while swimming or sleeping.
  9. Manage hormonal changes: Be mindful of hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, and other life stages, as they can affect eye health. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience any changes in vision or eye discomfort.
  10. Seek prompt medical attention: If you experience sudden changes in vision, eye pain, redness, or any other concerning symptoms, seek prompt medical attention. Early intervention can help prevent serious complications and preserve vision.

References

  1. Aninye, Irene O., et al. “The roles of sex and gender in women’s eye health disparities in the United States.” Biology of sex differences vol. 12,1 (2021): 57. doi:10.1186/s13293-021-00401-3
  2. Korpole, N. R., et al. “Gender Difference in Ocular Diseases, Risk Factors and Management with Specific Reference to Role of Sex Steroid Hormones.” Journal of mid-life health, 13(1), (2022): 20–25. doi:10.4103/jmh.jmh_28_22
  3. Zetterberg, Madeleine. “Age-related eye disease and gender.” Maturitas, Volume 83, (2016): 19-26. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.10.005.
  4. Hicks, P., Owen, L., & DeAngelis, M. “Global Women’s Eye Health: A Genetic Epidemiologic Perspective.” doi:10.1007/978-981-15-9184-6_2.