Why Women Are At Higher Risk For Eye Disease
Longer Life Expectancy
The life expectancy for Canadian men is 79.8 years and the life expectancy for Canadian women is 83.9 years. Eye disease tends to develop more in later age, so when women outlive men they are also more likely to develop eye diseases. In a way, the longer life expectancy skews the data, as men who live to be 83 and older are also likely to develop eye disease, but since there are fewer of them, women end up representing a larger population of those with eye conditions.
Hormone Fluctuation
Women in their middle age and older typically experience hormonal fluctuations or imbalances due to menopause. This can affect eye health because hormones can change the shape of the eye. Estrogen, the main sex hormone in women that is in flux during menopause, can cause changes that increase elasticity in the cornea. This affects how light travels through the eyes and can blur vision. Progesterone is another hormone that fluctuates during menopause and it can affect the eye’s oil glands and contribute to dry eyes.
Other Factors
There are factors that can increase the risk of eye diseases in all people. These risks become compounded when you are in a group that is already more predisposed to eye disease than other groups. Women are encouraged to quit smoking, eat well, and maintain a healthy weight, as overall wellness is essential for good eye health. Regular adult eye exams are also important, as many forms of eye disease can start to develop without presenting symptoms. To detect eye diseases early and slow or stop their progression, see your optometrist regularly. When you visit the optometrist, they will perform a comprehensive eye exam to assess your overall eye health and to look for any signs of disease. Common eye diseases in people over 40 include:
- Glaucoma: a collection of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss. It is often related to high pressure within the eye.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): an eye disease that blurs the central vision caused by damage to the macula. This limits your ability to see details, read, drive, see faces, do close-up work, and more.
- Cataracts: a clouding of the lens of the eye. This clouding develops slowly over time and can limit vision but it does not permanently affect eye health and there are surgeries available that can remove cataracts.
- Retinopathy: this damage to the retina is caused by unhealthy blood vessels in the eye. This condition is often related to diabetes.
Have An Adult Eye Exam At Market Mall Optometry
While everyone should see their optometrist for annual eye exams, it is even more important for people who are in a group that is predisposed to developing eye conditions. Regularly scheduled eye exams with a Calgary optometrist will allow you to take control of your eye health and protect your vision as you age. To check your eye health, schedule an adult eye exam at Market Mall Optometry in NW Calgary and our highly skilled optometrists will look for any indication of eye disease development. To schedule an adult eye exam, contact our Calgary Optometry clinic at 1-403-286-4884 or fill out the contact form.
FAQ
Q: What does an eye exam at Market Mall Optometry in Calgary typically include?
A: Your Calgary optometrist will:
- Assess colour deficiency
- Measure depth perception
- Measure the pressure inside of your eyes
- Measure your existing glasses prescription
- Review any health concerns you may have or that may be in your family history
- Examine your eyes with and without the help of lenses
- Fully assess the health of your eyes
- Take retinal photos to assess the health of the back of your eyes
- Give an optometrist-determined prescription if needed.
Q: What are the treatment options for glaucoma?
A: While there is no known cure for glaucoma, there are treatments that can manage it. Eye drops and oral medications can be used to decrease the amount of fluid your eyes produce which will decrease pressure. There are also surgeries available that can help reduce ocular pressure.
Q: Does Alberta Health cover eye exams?
A: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) covers annual eye exams for children aged 0-18 and for adults aged 65 and up. The province's health insurance plan also provides coverage for all emergency visits to an eye doctor.
