Men and women each face unique health matters as they age. Generally, we associate these needs with reproductive health and the individuality of hormonal changes that each gender experiences respectively. It is easy to stop here when trying to navigate a healthy aging process, but we encourage our patients, women especially, to mind their eye health, too.
According to studies, there is a prevalence of eye disease among adult women. Some of this prevalence has to do with the particular manner in which a woman’s body functions. Some have to do with the matter of time. Statistics indicate that women have a longer lifespan than men. This factor alone means a woman will face more shifts in her body and health during her lifetime. Regarding general health, women are particularly vulnerable to autoimmune conditions and hormones, as well, both of which correlate with the risk of eye disease.
These factors that primarily affect women make it more likely that a woman may face the following:
- Diminished vision due to refractive errors such as myopia or presbyopia.
- Chronic dry eye syndrome.
- Glaucoma.
- Age-related macular degeneration.
- Cataracts.
- Vision loss.
Health is a Balancing Act
Today, we meet much more individuals who are interested in aging well. The commitment to a smoother, healthier aging process is a balancing act. Fortunately, many of the measures that are taken to support the aging body also work in favor of healthy, functional eyes. These include:
- Consumption of fresh foods and healthy fats. Examples include avocados, coconut oil, leafy greens, flaxseed, and wild-caught salmon.
- Avoidance of cigarette smoke. The chemicals in cigarettes are caustic and come into direct contact with the ocular surface, as well as the skin around the eyes. This contact increases the risk of cataracts and other potentially serious eye conditions.
- Eye health maintenance that includes routine, comprehensive eye exams. Vision exams are a minor aspect of eye health. Your Ocala ophthalmologist, Dr. Croley assesses the structures of the eye, the pressure within the eye, and more.
Eye health may not be a hot topic of discussion around the water cooler, but it is a matter of importance for the aging women (and man!). To schedule your comprehensive, dilated eye exam, call (352)-237-8400.