Visakhapatnam: Women are 50% to 60% more susceptible to a range of eye disorders compared to men, according to doctors, many of which are influenced by biological, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. Understanding these factors is essential for timely detection and treatment. For example, women are twice as likely as men to develop dry eye syndrome and about 1.5 times more likely to develop glaucoma. According to the WHO, 55% of all cataract surgeries worldwide are performed on women. Women with diabetes are 1.3 times more likely than men to develop diabetic retinopathy, which damages retinal blood vessels and can potentially lead to vision loss.
Dr. Kodali Shivani from GMR Varalakshmi Campus, Vizag, and Dr. Sowjanya Vuyyur from Kode Venkatadri Chowdary Campus, Vijayawada, said that women are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD) than men, particularly after the age of 65. “According to the National Eye Institute, two-thirds of individuals with AMD are women. The higher prevalence of AMD in women may be attributed to their longer life expectancy, combined with risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, and genetics. Oestrogen’s influence on vascular health may also contribute to the increased susceptibility in women,” said the consultant ophthalmologists from LVPEI.
“About 60% of people affected by dry eye syndrome are women. The condition is particularly common in post-menopausal women due to hormonal changes. Oestrogen and progesterone play a significant role in tear production, and hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, contribute to a higher incidence of dry eye in women. Cataracts are more common in women as they age. Women are about 1.5 times more likely to develop cataracts than men. Hormonal changes after menopause, as well as longer life expectancy, are major contributors to the higher risk of cataracts in women. Environmental factors such as smoking and sun exposure also play a role. Women are 2 to 9 times more likely than men to develop autoimmune diseases that affect the eyes, such as Sjögren’s syndrome and uveitis. Studies indicate that 90% of people with autoimmune diseases affecting the eyes are women,” added Dr. Shivani and Dr. Sowjanya.
Retinal vein occlusion, which leads to sudden vision loss or blurriness, is more common in women. Women have a slightly higher risk of developing RVO than men. Some studies indicate that RVO occurs in women around 1.5 times more frequently than in men, especially among those over the age of 65. Similarly, idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is significantly more common in women than in men. Studies show that women are affected by IIH 4 to 6 times more than men, especially among women of childbearing age.
