Saipan Women Face Higher Risk of Blindness Than Men

American Academy of Ophthalmology urges women to make eye health a top priority

Studies show there is a gender gap in eye disease. Women are more likely than men to suffer from sight-threatening conditions such as age-related macular degeneration(AMD), cataracts and glaucoma. In support of Healthy Vision Month in May, Marianas Eye Institute and the American Academy of Ophthalmology remind women to make vision a top priority.

Women make up 65 percent of macular degeneration cases; 61 percent of glaucoma and cataract patients are women, and 66 percent of blind patients are women. Why the inequity? There are a few theories. On average women live longer and many eye problems are age-related. Some eye conditions, such as dry eye, are more common in women, young and old. Social and economic factors affect women’s access to eye care, especially in developing countries. Whatever the cause, there are a few unique vision problems women need to watch out for more than men. Dry eye occurs at double the rate in postmenopausal women. In general, women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases than men, many of which affect vision, such as lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome and hyperthyroidism. Also, pregnancy can cause vision changes due to the hormones pregnant women experience.

The good news is most vision loss is preventable. Marianas Eye Institute and the Academy offers five simple steps to take control of your eye health today:

• Get a comprehensive medical eye exam at age 40. Early signs of disease or changes in vision may begin at this age. An exam by one of Marianas Eye Institute’s specialists is an opportunity to carefully examine the eye for diseases and conditions that may have no symptoms in the early stages.
• Know your family history. Certain eye diseases can be inherited. If you have a close relative with macular degeneration, you have a 50 percent chance of developing this condition. A family history of glaucoma increases your glaucoma risk by four to nine times. Talk to family members about their eye conditions. It can help you and your eye specialist evaluate your risk.
• Eat healthy foods. A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, benefits the entire body, including the eyes. Eye-healthy food choices include citrus fruits, vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables and cold water fish.
• Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk for eye diseases such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration. Smoking also raises the risk for cardiovascular diseases which can indirectly influence your eye health. Tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke, also worsens dry eye.
• Wear sunglasses. Exposure to ultraviolet UV light raises the risk of eye diseases, including cataract, fleshy growths on the eye and cancer. Always wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection and a hat while enjoying time outdoors.

“Eye exams aren’t only about checking a person’s visual acuity or sharpness, but also determining the overall health of their eyes,” said Rebecca J. Taylor, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “We encourage women as well as men to get regular eye care. By making vision a priority today, we can help protect our sight as we age.”

“We know that women in the CNMI drive most of their family’s healthcare decisions. They are often the leaders in their families,” said Russ Quinn, CEO of Marianas Eye Institute. “Yet the statistics clearly show that women are at higher risk for eye disease, and we encourage them all the CNMI’s women to make sure their own care receives priority,” he said.

Marianas Eye Institute is known as a regional leader in eye care, providing total eye care for the family, including express glasses, contact lenses, medical eye care, surgery and laser. Marianas Eye Institute is staffed by Dr. Dennis Williams, who has been listed in “America’s Top Ophthalmologists”, and Dr. Mark Robertson, a magna cum laude optometrist, along with eight other highly talented and nationally certified eye care ophthalmic technicians, opticians, and contact lens technicians. Located on Beach Road in Garapan, across 13 Fishermen Monument, Marianas Eye Institute is open Monday through Saturday and accepts new patients as well as walk-ins. Anyone interested in women’s eye health can call 235-9090.