Women absolutely should favor their eye health; the stark reality of eye disease prevalence among women is the reason why. Following is a look at some of the major concerns surrounding women’s eye health, and why it matters that all women be aware of the facts.
Eye Disease Prevalence Among Women
April is designated as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month by Prevent Blindness, one of the oldest and most important organizations in the U.S. for supporting eye health and preventing blindness. This is a merited effort, because two out of every three people who are blind or experiencing vision problems are women.
One reason women more than men experience eye problems is pregnancy, which causes hormonal changes that can affect eyes and vision. Such changes include eye dryness and puffiness of the eyelids. These often subside after delivery. Migraine headaches, which can affect vision, are also common during pregnancy. Complications involving diabetes and/or high blood pressure, and vision can also arise during pregnancy. These can contribute to eye damage and should be monitored during pregnancy if they are present.
Other factors also can contribute to increased eye-issue prevalence among women. These include heightened susceptibility to autoimmune diseases such as lupus; physiological changes from menopause; and, simply, a longer lifespan.
So, what forms of eye disease disproportionately affect women? The answer includes most major eye conditions, including blindness and significant vision impairment, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, refractive issues, and dry eye.
Because of the reality of eye disease prevalence, women should take steps to protect their eyes and vision. Among these measures are annual eye exams, wearing sunglasses when in the sun, avoidance of smoking, and making healthy lifestyle choices.
Supplements to Promote Eye Health in Women
Some supplements have physiological benefits that can contribute to the health and longevity of eyes and vision. Following are five such supplements:
Lutein/zeaxanthin: This combination of natural carotenoids is typically derived from the marigold plant, and they are well known for their benefits to the eyes. These two carotenoids give marigold its bright color, and also protect the plant from the sun’s rays. Their photoprotectant properties, as well as their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can benefit the eyes in multiple ways. First, they help to prevent cataracts, which are more common in women than in men. Research shows that lutein and zeaxanthin can also slow the progression of AMD. This benefit could be possible in women with early-stage AM as well as late-stage AMD. Lutein and zeaxanthin can also relieve symptoms of dry eye, pink eye, and inflammation of the eyelids. These two carotenoids are usually found in a single oral supplement.
Blackcurrant is an herbal supplement which can provide benefits to the eyes as well as help in other health areas of the body. Blackcurrant usually is provided in the form of concentrated seed oil. Blackcurrant naturally contains anthocyanins, which can increase blood circulation to the eyes as well as high levels of vitamin A. The basic benefits of a blackcurrant supplement can include reduced susceptibility to eye strain and dry eyes, and better night vision. This herb can also help to slow the progression of eye-related disease including glaucoma and, possibly, macular degeneration.
DHA, short for docosahexaenoic acid, is a beneficial omega-3 fatty acid abundant in the eyes. This omega-3 fatty acid has many benefits. Increasing your DHA intake can help reduce eye dryness, such as in cases where it is caused by environmental factors. It can be found in the form of an omega-3 fish oil supplement containing DHA along with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid.
Taking care of your eye health is important, especially for women. If you are woman who cares about retaining her eye health and vision, then consider the three supplemental substances mentioned above which can bolster your eye health. It is recommended that you always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement, such as to make sure it won[‘t interact adversely with any prescription medications you might be on.