Did you know that women are more likely than men to experience vision problems? Two-thirds of worldwide visual impairments affect women. There are a number of reasons for this statistic.

Women are more likely to experience hormonal changes, generally due to pregnancy. Pregnant women may experience blurred vision, dry eyes, sensitivity to light, and even prescription changes. If you are experiencing changes in your vision while pregnant, do not hesitate to book an appointment with your Beyond Vision optometrist.

The birth control pill can also cause changes in vision, and increases women’s risk of developing cataracts. In rare cases, birth control can cause blood clots or strokes, of which blurry vision can be a symptom. If you are experiencing sudden changes in vision accompanied by other signs of stroke or blood clot, seek medical attention immediately.

Menopause also causes hormonal fluctuations that can lead to vision changes, and peri and post-menopausal women may experience Age-Related Macular Degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts at a higher rate than men of the same age range.

The best way to combat vision problems or the onset of eye-related disease is a proactive approach. Adult women should receive at least bi-annual eye exams. Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals will help maintain healthy eyesight. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake also helps reduce risk of eye-related disease.

Our knowledgeable, friendly optometrists and staff at Beyond Vision in Edmonton and Leduc would be happy to help you with all your eyecare needs. For more information on your eye health and to book an exam, click here.