Women and Their Eyes: A Basic Outline

The eyes as well as every other organ in the body is taken for granted until something goes wrong. There are many conditions that affect the eyes with little to no warning. Some of these conditions are easily treatable, while others require great efforts to slow down or halt their progression. Research has shown that females are two to four times as likely to acquire eye related problems as compared to their male counterparts. The reasoning is mainly due to the longer life expectancy of women.
Let’s first discuss cataracts. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens within your eye resulting in blurred vision. Most everyone will develop cataracts if they get to live long enough. Today’s cataract surgery has developed into a procedure that is typically performed in less than ten minutes. In addition, the newest technology of lenses that are implanted into the eye has evolved into allowing the patient to function without the use of glasses after surgery.

Glaucoma is called “the thief of sight”. It is described as a painless, symptom-less loss of sight. It is a disease that damages the optic nerve within the eye. The optic nerve is the “wiring” that carries the signals from the eye to the brain for processing. Glaucoma can be treated with the use of lasers, medications, and surgery to slow down the progression of visual loss.

One of the most debilitating eye diseases that affect women more than men is Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). It is described as a loss of the pigment cells that the retina uses to see fine detailed images. In other words, the film (retina) in the camera (eye) is damaged. The type of ARMD will determine the type of treatment, which can range from medications to lasers.
The most common complaint with female patients is Dry Eye. As we get older, the composition of our tear film starts to change and become less stable especially in women. This is partially due to the hormonal changes associated with aging. There are many ways to combat this condition. The use of dietary supplement, artificial tears, medications, and punctual occlusion of the tear drainage system are many ways to decrease the symptoms of dry eye.

Last but not Least, there are the cosmetic issues of droopy eyelids and loose skin around the eyes. Whether cosmetic or functionally hindering vision, the lids can be lifted with simple plastic surgery techniques. In addition, small growths that are cosmetically unappealing and pre-cancerous lesions can be removed through minor in office procedures.

Dr. Cartwright is a fellowship trained Glaucoma specialist and a fellowship trained Oculoplastic and Facial Plastic Surgeon. He also specializes in no stitch cataract surgery and multifocal intra ocular lens implants.