True Or False: Women & Men Have An Equal Risk Of Developing Eye Diseases

Baptist Eye Surgeons • April 21, 2020

Women’s Eye HealthWhile our eyes are a distinguishing feature that’s unique to each one of us, the way that our eyes are meant to function is the same. That said, it may seem like there wouldn’t be much difference between men and women when it comes to developing eye diseases, but this isn’t exactly the case.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, women have higher rates of eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Women account for:

  • 66% of blind patients
  • 63% of people with vision impairment
  • 65% of age-related macular degeneration cases
  • 61% of both glaucoma and cataract patients

So why the gender inequality? One theory is that women tend to live longer than men, and many eye diseases develop and progress as we age. Women also tend to be more susceptible to autoimmune diseases that can affect vision, such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome and hyperthyroiditis.

In addition, women have a higher prevalence of dry eye syndrome and may also experience vision changes due to normal age-related hormonal changes, including pregnancy and menopause. For example, postmenopausal women have double the rate of dry eye syndrome than men do.

Tips For Women’s Eye Health

In an effort to educate women about these issues as well as provide recommendations on the best ways to take care of their vision, Prevent Blindness has designated April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month.

Both Prevent Blindness and the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends steps for women to take to protect their vision and eye health, including:

  • Getting regular eye exams, beginning by age 40
  • Learning of any family history of eye disease
  • Not smoking
  • Wearing 100% UV-blocking sunglasses
  • Using contact lenses safely
  • Using eye cosmetics safely
  • Eating a diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

The most proactive step every woman can take, especially those who are 40 and older, is to have annual comprehensive eye exams. It’s only through comprehensive eye exams that ophthalmologists are able to detect common eye diseases, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, retinal detachment, and tumors.

Detecting and treating any of these eye diseases at their earliest stages offers women the best chance to avoid permanent vision loss and preserve the health of their eyes. In addition, an ophthalmologist is able to detect other health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure through comprehensive eye exams.

At Baptist Eye Surgeons, our doctors are all committed to providing the best possible eye care for all women and men alike.

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.
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