Take Care of Your Eyes

Ladies, your eyes need you to take extra care of them!

Eye health is important for both men and women at every age. When it comes to eye disease, though, all things might not be created equal.

With the average life expectancy of South African women being higher than men (at 71.3 years in comparison with 64.6 years) it is expected that older women suffer from a higher frequency of eye conditions. This longevity also means women are naturally more susceptible to age-related conditions: age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts will be increasingly identified as women age further. damage should be an encouragement to get help from one of your eye care team if you have these symptoms.

Whilst the skin around the eyes is expected to loosen as the skin’s elasticity and structure changes with age, the effect can be reduced or prevented by handling the fragile skin around the eye with care from an early age. Allergies, tired eyes and eye strain can cause eye rubbing which in turn will accelerate sagging, and cause additional damage.

Sun exposure can also accelerate eye conditions. Sunglasses protect from UV damage (and make a personal fashion statement too)! The range available means women can also have prescription lenses in sunglasses for all day protection. You can look good, be safe, and see well at the same time.

Eye conditions aren’t just a numbers game, though. Changes in female hormones throughout life impact women’s bodies. Decreasing hormone levels (including oestrogen and progesterone) affect the quality and quantity of lubricating tears produced by the tear glands. The resulting red, irritated/ gritty, dry (and sometimes even watery) eyes are classified as Dry Eye Syndrome. Women are three times more likely to experience this condition. Whilst most people with chronic dry eye syndrome don’t seek professional advice, the possibility of corneal Chronic health conditions, for example, diabetes, high blood pressure or autoimmune diseases, impact your vision when uncontrolled. Be aware of your lifestyle and daily decisions. Simple and regular activity, balanced nutrition, and regular reviews by your healthcare practitioners will assist in enhancing your wellness and preserving eye health and vision.

Allison Deysel, Hospital Manager Pietermaritzburg Eye Hospital Want to know more visit www. pmbeyehospital.co.za or follow us on our Facebook page.