| |
|
Women's Eye Health
Institute Happenings
Upcoming Events
|
|
|
Dear Friends,
In this issue, we will explore a topic that has only recently gained awareness: Women’s eye health. For many years, it was thought that there were no discernible differences between the eyes of males and females. However, within the last decade, the influence of biological sex on various optical disorders has become more and more apparent. Join us as we discuss eye health issues such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts.
Best,
Nicole C. Woitowich, PhD
Director of Science Outreach and Education
|
|
|
We know that men and women experience many diseases and disorders differently, so it should come as no surprise that eye health could also be impacted by sex. Women in the United States have a much higher incidence of major vision problems as compared to men and as a result, are more likely to suffer from low vision and blindness [1,2]. By the year 2050, it is projected that women with visual impairment will outnumber men by at least 30% [3]. However, the good news is that early detection and diagnosis of eye disease can reduce the likelihood of vision loss or blindness.
Below are some eye diseases or conditions which tend to affect women more often than men:
|
|
Cataract
The human eye is strikingly similar to a camera. Both have a lens which helps focus light, and an aperture (the pupil), which allows light to come through. If the lens on a camera becomes dirty or smudged, this can cause a picture to appear blurry. The same principle can be applied to the lens of the eye. When a person develops cataracts, the lens of the eye becomes cloudy as a result of protein build-up. Symptoms of cataracts may include “fuzzy” or blurry vision, colors which appear dull, glare from external lighting, and poor night vision. The development of cataracts is highly associated with age, typically affecting those over the age of 60. However, certain lifestyle factors such as smoking or increased exposure to UV rays, or diseases such as diabetes may confer an additional risk. Some of the initial symptoms of cataracts may be treated by prescription eye glasses but ultimately if the condition progresses, it requires surgical treatment. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to significant vision loss and blindness.
|
|
|
Macular Degeneration
As we just learned, the main function of the lens is to focus incoming light into our eyes – specifically onto a region known as the retina. The retina is composed of millions of specialized cells which are responsible for “sensing” light. One region of the retina, known as the macula, is responsible for our central, color vision. Macular degeneration, or progressive deterioration of the macula, causes central vision loss which can impair a number of our common daily activities such as driving, reading, and recognizing faces. Macular degeneration occurs in older individuals, affecting 14% of white Americans over the age of 80 [2]. Additional risk factors for developing macular degeneration may include smoking, ethnicity, and family history.
|
|
|
The eyes are often referred to as “windows to the soul,” but did you know that they can also serve as windows to your health? In addition to detecting vision problems, a routine eye exam may assist in identifying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders.
|
|
Glaucoma
Visual information from light is transmitted from the retina to our brain through the optic nerve. Glaucoma is a group of conditions which damage optic nerve and as a result, is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness. It typically occurs when excess fluid gets trapped within the eye, causing an increase in what’s known as, “intraocular pressure.” Over time, increased intraocular pressure will damage the optic nerve and cause progressive vision loss. At first, the most common type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, does not have any symptoms. After the condition progresses, the first noticeable symptom may be a loss in peripheral vision (see image above). Only a routine eye exam would be able to identify an increase in intraocular pressure
preceding optic nerve damage. Hence, the American Optometric Association recommends individuals between the ages of 18-60 have an eye exam every two years and those over 60 have an eye exam every year. Just as with cataracts, the risk for developing glaucoma increases with age and early detection and treatment can prevent permanent vision loss.
|
|
|
Additional Resources:
References:
1. Clayton and Davis.,
Curr Eye Res.
2015 Feb;40(2):102-9.
3. Varma et al.,
JAMA Ophthalmol.
2016 Jul 1;134(7):802-9.
|
|
Save the Date: Reproductive Science Saturday - June 24th, 2017
The Women's Health Research Institute is now accepting applications for the Women's Health Science Program (WHSP): Reproductive Science Saturday! This day-long program will provide Chicago Public High School girls with an introduction to reproductive health through the lens of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). Click here for more information about WHSP and the Reproductive Science Saturday.
|
|
|
April 18th: Women's Health Research Monthly Forum
"Sex Differences in Maternal Phenotype, Maternal Metabolites and Newborn Metabolites in the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) Study European Cohort."
Dr. Victoria Sandler
12:00PM - 1:00PM
Prentice Women's Hospital, 250 E. Superior Street, 3rd Floor Conference Room L South
|
|
This continuing nursing education activity has been approved for 1.0 contact hour by the Ohio Nurses Association (OBN-001-91), an accredited approver of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Approval valid through 03/28/2019 - ONA Approval #20661, ONA-CE Assigned Approval Number.
|
|
|
Was the information in this newsletter helpful to you?
Please provide your feedback by filling out a quick survey:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
