SATURDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- Twice as many women as men
in the United States are diagnosed with vision-threatening eye
disease every year, but the numbers are increasing for both genders
as the baby boomer generation enters its golden years, a newly
updated report shows.
The study, from the Prevent Blindness America and the
government-backed National Eye Institute, found that of more than
3.6 million Americans aged 40 and older who suffer from visual
impairment, including blindness, 2.3 million are women. Potentially
blinding diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration
and diabetic retinopathy strike women in some cases almost twice as
much as men.
"Some may be under the impression that losing vision is just a
simple part of the aging process, but these numbers include many
women in their 40s," Daniel D. Garrett, senior vice president of
Prevent Blindness America, said in a prepared statement. "It's
never too early to start caring for our eyes, and we strongly
encourage women to make eye health a priority for themselves and
their families today."
The report shows age-related eye disease has risen for both
sexes, but especially among women, who represent more than 1.3
million of the more than 2 million Americans aged 50 and older that
have age-related macular degeneration.
And, approximately 6 million women and 3 million men have
moderate to severe symptoms of dry eye syndrome, a condition caused
when not enough natural tears are produced, according to the
National Women's Health Resource Center. Postmenopausal and
pregnant women are most at risk because of hormonal fluctuations,
and without proper lubrication, their corneas can become
damaged.
"Fortunately, there is a simple way for women to protect their
vision: Get regular eye care," Garrett said.
More information
Prevent Blindness America has more about
eye
disease.
