Common Eye Conditions In Women

By Kristin Biggee, MD

Maryland Eye Associates

. http://marylandeyeassociates.com

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Common Eye Conditions In Women

Cataracts. In the U.S., almost one out of four women (23.5%) develop a cataract that impairs vision by the age of 65. A cataract develops as the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy and hardens over the years. Early symptoms can include increased glare, difficulty reading, or decreased color vision. If left untreated, vision continues to gradually decline. An ophthalmologist should perform a thorough history and examination to determine if a cataract is the cause of visual impairment. If visual function is significantly impaired and affecting daily activities then cataract surgery is often recommended. Surgery involves removing the cataract and inserting an intraocular implant to improve vision.

Glaucoma. Glaucoma is a disease that causes gradual thinning of the nerve fibers to the optic nerve of the eye. There are two main types of glaucoma open angle and narrow or closed angle. The majority (90%) of cases are classified as an open angle glaucoma. This causes a slow loss of side vision over many years. Although narrow angle glaucoma occurs less often, it is three times more likely to occur in women due to their smaller eye angle anatomy. Patients with narrow angles can experience intermittent eye pain and blurry vision. In severe cases, the angle may become completely closed causing dangerously high intraocular pressures, severe pain, nausea, and vision loss. Prompt treatment by an ophthalmologist is necessary to prevent permanent loss of vision in these cases. In general, it's important for all patients to have a complete eye examination to screen for glaucoma and those considered at risk should be examined every year. If diagnosed early, medications and/or surgical treatment can slow the progression of glaucoma and prevent blindness.

Dry Eye. Dry eye is a very common eye condition in both sexes, however it is 2-3 times more common in women. Fluctuating hormone levels are associated with dry eyes, which is why this condition can become more aggravated during pregnancy, after childbirth, and during the peri- and post-menopause periods. Symptoms include foreign body sensation, burning, redness, tearing, glare, and intermittent blurring. Treatment includes increased lubrication with artificial tear drops and/or lubricating ointments. In moderate or severe cases, other treatments include prescription medication such as RestasisTM and/or insertion of punctal plugs by an ophthalmologist.

Macular Degeneration. Age related macular degeneration is a major cause of visual impairment in older adults. Risk factors include Caucasian race, increasing age, family history, and smoking. Since on average women live longer than men, they have a greater chance of developing this disease in their lifetime. There are two types of macular degeneration a dry type and a wet type. The dry type causes a slow degeneration of central vision over months to years. The wet type is caused by leaking fluid and/or blood in the center of the retina and can cause a sudden dramatic loss of central vision. It is important to diagnose the wet type early, since newer treatments can sometimes decrease or reverse vision loss. Regular eye exams after age 50 are recommended to screen for this condition. If present, it's important to discuss your risk of future vision loss and ways to decrease it with your ophthalmologist.