Dr . Anchal Mitra,Consultant – Cataract & Pediatric Ophthalmology,Disha Eye Hospitals
1. Why should vision and eye health should be a priority amongst women?
Ans – Because vision affects the quality of life as well as our day to work and recreation. Women are unfortunately disproportionately affected by vision impairment. Many Eye diseases like ARMD & Glaucoma affect women more than men. These are diseases which can easily be detected on routine eye check-up.
Really important for women to get regular eye check-ups because some of these diseases have no symptoms in the initial stages.
2. Why are women more affected with eye diseases as compared to men?
Ans – Women are 1.5 times more likely to be visually impaired than men. As women live longer than men they live with visual disability for a longer time. The difference in the immune system can account for this. Hence, autoimmune diseases are more common in women.
3. How can these diseases be prevented or cured?
Ans – Regular eye examinations can definitely diagnose many diseases like ARMD, Cataracts, Retino pathics, Glaucoma, Dry Eyes in the early stages which can be cured. Women are the best to advocate for their eye health. Whenever, any vision problems or eye comfort happen it is always better to consult an ophthalmologist.
4. Why is vision & eye health a priority in women?
I. Because vision affects quality of life
II. Such an important sense
III. Affects our work & recreation
IV. Women are unfortunately disproportionately affected by vision impairment
V. Many eye diseases like ARMD & Glaucoma affect women more than men
VI. These are diseases which can be detected on a routine eye examination
VII. Really important for women to get regular eye check-ups because some of these diseases have no symptoms in the initial stages of the disease
5. Why are women more affected with some eye diseases as compared to men?
I. Women are 1.5 times more likely to be visually impaired than men are worldwide
II. As women live longer than men, they live with visual disability for a longer time
III. The immune system differences can account for some of these diseases happening more in women. Many autoimmune diseases are more common in women hence eye diseases related to autoimmune diseases are more common in women.
6. Why should women especially focus on eye health?
Women tend to ignore their own eye health or general health because they are the caregiver for an entire family and thus they put disproportionately lower effort for their own eye health. This scenario should change with increasing awareness & education in women. Women should understand that they need to first take care of themselves to be able to take care of others
7. How Cosmetics Affect Women’s Eye Health?
Ans – The Skin around the eye is extremely thin. So the Cream, Serum or makeup which you put in and around the eye can affect eye health and can lead to dry eyes, allergies and infection. So, it is always imperative to apply healthy products around the eyes. Kindly take a look at the expiry date.
8. Any conditions specific to Pregnancy and menopause ?
i. If in Pregnancy a woman suffers from Preeclampsia or high blood pressure they should also be referred to an ophthalmologist as these can affect the optic nerve and retina.
ii. During Pregnancy some women also develop Diabetes which can also affect the eyes.
iii. In Pregnancy the refractive error changes are much more frequent and should be checked.
iv. In Menopause the Dry Eye Symptoms increase significantly because of hormonal changes.
9. Is there any connection between Eye Health & Overall Health?
Ans – Eyes are the window to the soul. Regular Eye examinations tell a lot about body functions. We can literally diagnose multiple general health issues like hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, brain tumor or other infections.
10. Appropriate Diet and other lifestyle measures which need to be followed to boost the strength of vision amongst women?
i. Diet which is good for your heart is also good for your Retina. For example Green Leafy Vegetables which contain Lutein & Zeaxanthin and can prevent Macular Degeneration.
ii. Vitamin C rich food like oranges and berries can prevent the formation of cataract.
iii. Omega 3 fatty acids rich food like fish prevent dryness of eyes.
iv. Weary sunglasses are not only a fashion statement but they really do prevent the UV ray damage from the sun.
v. Regular exercise in any form helps to keep your blood pressure and blood sugar in control and thereby keeping a good eye health.
vi. Appropriate and minimal eye makeup can reduce the chances of dryness and infection.
vii. If you wear contact lenses, definitely get your eyes checked yearly.
viii. Limit screen time as much as possible.