Did You Know Women Have A Higher Risk Of Developing Eye Disease? Here’s Why.

Baptist Eye Surgeons • April 12, 2019

Women’s Eye Health and Safety MonthPrevent Blindness has designated April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month in an effort to educate women about their increased risk of developing eye diseases and inform them about how they can help preserve their vision in the future. This month, ophthalmologists across the country—including those at Baptist Eye Surgeons—are promoting awareness of common eye diseases that affect women.

According to Prevent Blindness, women make up the majority of the 4.4 million Americans over age 40 who are visually impaired or blind. More women than men have cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. However, not many of us are aware of this gender disparity. According to a study conducted by the organization:

  • Less than 10% of American women realize that women are at a greater risk of suffering permanent vision loss than men.
  • 86% incorrectly believe that men and women are at equal risk.
  • 5% believe that men are at greater risk.

Hormones, Genetics, And Lifestyle

Why do women have a greater risk of developing eye diseases than men? Hormones are one factor. Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to dry eye syndrome, eye puffiness, light sensitivity, and changes in prescription lenses. In addition, women who are going through menopause have a greater risk of developing dry eye syndrome and uveitis, or inflammation of the eye.

Genetics also play a role in women’s risk of developing eye diseases, as do lifestyle choices such as smoking, diet, and alcohol consumption. To reduce the risk of developing a common eye disease, it’s recommended that women:

  • Know your family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts
  • Have an annual complete eye exam, including eye dilation
  • Maintain good nutrition
  • Don’t smoke
  • Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
  • Use contact lenses safely
  • Use cosmetics safely
  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption

The first thing every woman should do, especially those who are 40 and older, is get a dilated comprehensive eye exam. It’s only through dilated eye exams that ophthalmologists are able to detect common eye diseases, even at their earliest stages, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, retinal detachment, and tumors. Dilated eye exams also enable the eye doctor to detect health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN, dedicated to providing quality eye care to patients whose needs range from routine comprehensive eye examinations to complex eye surgeries. To meet our doctors and learn more about our specialities, visit our website or give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
Understanding Eye Pressure: What It Means for Glaucoma Risk

Understanding Eye Pressure: What It Means for Glaucoma Risk

June 1, 2026
Understanding eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), is important for protecting your vision. IOP considerably affects the development and progression...
How Your Diet Impacts Eye Health: Foods That Support Vision

How Your Diet Impacts Eye Health: Foods That Support Vision

April 12, 2026
Your diet influences more than just general wellness; it also helps protect your eyesight. At Baptist Eye Surgeons, we take a forward-looking approach to eye...