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Studies Focus on Aging Women
Most Visually Impaired Americans are Women. Longer Life Span is One of Several Factors Cited.

► Of approximately 3.4 million visually impaired Americans, about two-thirds are women; additionally, two-thirds of the one million Americans who are blind are women, says Ilene Gipson, Ph.D., a senior scientist at the Schepens Eye Research Institute, affiliated with Harvard Medical School in Boston.

► Nearly all eye-related diseases and conditions, including dry eye syndrome, AMD, glaucoma and cataracts, are slightly or considerably more prevalent in women. Glaucoma is also significantly more prevalent in African-Americans over age 40.

► Part of the reason women suffer more than their fair share of eye-related conditions is simply related to time: Women live longer than men, and nearly all eye conditions become more prevalent as we age.

► Another reason relates to the negative effects of inflammation on eye health, a byproduct of the immune system. Since women make up 75% of Americans living with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome, all of which can significantly affect the eyes, this may play a role in the eye-related gender gap.

► What is known, however, is that 75% of all visual impairment can be prevented or corrected, primarily with lifestyle changes, says Dr. Gipson.

About this data: The National Women's Health Report is published by the National Women's Health Resource Center. To read this report in full visit www.healthywomen.org/ newsroom/newsfromthenwhrc/dbnwhrcnews/womenvisionandaging This publication was developed in partnership with the Women's Eye Health Task Force based at the Schepens Eye Research Institute (www.womenseyehealth.org).

Dry Eye: a Growing Health Issue for Menopausal Women

The risk of dry eye increases with age, so the number of people affected will increase in coming years as the population ages. This is especially true for menopausal women.

The Society for Women's Health Research has released a survey revealing that of the 304 menopausal and perimenopausal women polled, 62% reported that they experience dry eye symptoms. Only 16% of these women knew that dry eye was linked to menopause.

"Dry eye isn't just a necessary evil of growing older," says Phyllis E. Greenberger, MSW, president and CEO, Society for Women's Health Research. "For many women, dry eye is related to the changing hormone levels of menopause just as much as hot flashes, depression, insomnia and vaginal dryness." Greenberger also notes that about 3.2 million women over age 50 are affected by chronic dry eye.

Of the women experiencing dry eye symptoms, less than 59% had spoken to a doctor about their dry eye. Although the majority of women did not know the cause of their dry eye, nearly all knew they had a problem. About 58% said they had used over-the-counter eye drops to treat their symptoms.

"The prevalence of over-the-counter eye drop use indicates that women are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms that they should discuss with a doctor," says Laurie Barber, M.D., professor of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Nearly 40% of Americans regularly experience symptoms of dry eye. There are three main medical treatment options for dry eye: artificial tears, prescription therapies and surgery.

Women and men are encouraged to visit www.FocusOnDryEye.com to take a free Dry Eye Quiz, which may be printed and taken to an eyecare professional to discuss appropriate treatments. In addition, the Web site contains more information about dry eye symptoms, causes, diagnosis, possible long-term effects and treatment options.

About the Data: The survey polled 304 women between the ages of 45 and 57 nationwide. The survey was fielded using the International Communications Research (ICR) telephone omnibus survey, headquartered in Media, Pa. and was conducted under an unrestricted grant from Allergan, Inc.

The Society for Women's Health Research is the nation's only non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health of all women through research, education and advocacy.