Source :NEWS18 NEWS
Last Updated:May 14, 2025, 10:26 IST
Studies show that two-thirds of the world’s blind population are women, largely due to lack of awareness, late diagnosis, and limited access to care
Our eyes are one of the first places where ageing shows—but they’re also among the most precious organs we often overlook
She may not say it out loud, but your mother or grandmother quietly adjusts the newspaper to catch better light, squints at her phone screen, or complains about dry, tired eyes after a day spent indoors. With age, many women take these changes in stride, brushing them off as a “normal part of growing older.” But not every change in vision is harmless—and some can be the first red flags of serious underlying conditions.
As women age, especially after 50, they become more vulnerable to a range of eye disorders. Hormonal changes post-menopause, longer life expectancy, and age-related health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure all put women at higher risk for vision problems. What makes it more concerning is that many of these conditions develop slowly and silently.
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That’s why recognising the early signs and acting on them can save not just vision but also quality of life. Dr. (Col) Rajneesh Sinha, Senior Consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, shares five eye symptoms in elder women that should never be ignored:
1. Blurry or cloudy vision that doesn’t go away
If reading glasses no longer help and the world looks hazy even after cleaning your spectacles, it could be more than just a smudge. Persistent blurriness might indicate cataracts, which affect the eye’s natural lens, or it could point to early signs of glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Cataracts are treatable with surgery, but glaucoma and AMD require early intervention to slow down vision loss.
2. Seeing floaters, flashes, or a sudden shadow in vision
It’s normal to see a few floaters—tiny spots or cobweb-like shapes drifting across your field of vision. But a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow over part of your view can be symptoms of a retinal detachment—a serious emergency that needs immediate treatment to prevent permanent blindness.
3. Difficulty seeing at night or glare while driving
Night vision naturally declines with age, but struggling to see street signs, being blinded by oncoming headlights, or needing extra light to read could signal early cataracts or worsening AMD. These conditions often progress slowly, and many women adjust their lifestyle around them without realising how much their vision has deteriorated.
4. Redness, irritation, or dryness that persists
If eyes feel dry, scratchy, or look constantly red, it’s not just a comfort issue. Dry eye syndrome is common in postmenopausal women due to hormonal changes that affect tear production. Left untreated, dry eyes can lead to inflammation, corneal damage, and chronic discomfort. Using artificial tears, taking breaks from screens, and consulting a specialist can bring lasting relief.
5. Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
Losing vision—even for a few minutes—is always a red flag. It could be linked to a stroke, blood flow problem, or acute glaucoma. Immediate medical attention is essential. Delaying treatment can result in permanent damage. Many women dismiss such events if vision returns quickly, but these episodes are warning signs that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Why Women Need to Be Proactive About Eye Health
Studies show that two-thirds of the world’s blind population are women, largely due to lack of awareness, late diagnosis, and limited access to care. Regular eye check-ups—at least once every one to two years after the age of 50—are a must. Monitoring blood pressure, sugar levels, and maintaining a diet rich in leafy greens, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids also goes a long way in keeping eyes healthy.
Our eyes are one of the first places where ageing shows—but they’re also among the most precious organs we often overlook. Encouraging the elder women in your life, or yourself, to get timely check-ups, speak up about eye issues, and act early can make all the difference. Because when it comes to vision, catching the signs early isn’t just smart—it’s life-changing.
- First Published:
May 14, 2025, 10:24 IST
SOURCE : NEWS 18
