Women’s eye health is not often part of everyday discussion, but it is essential to overall health. In the United States, women are disproportionately affected by major eye conditions such as glaucoma, vision loss, and cataracts. 

May is Healthy Vision Month, and during the month, ORWH recognizes eye health’s essential role in overall health. Jeff Todd, President and CEO of Prevent Blindness, interviewed the ORWH Director, Janine Austin Clayton, M.D., FARVO, about women’s eye health and safety. The interview is part of the Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health Expert Series. Discussion topics include why women should prioritize their eye health, why more women than men have eye disease and vision loss, and steps women can take to help protect their vision. 

Related Resources
1. Clayton. “Women and Eye Disease.” Prevent Blindness, April 19, 2022
2. Aninye, I., et al. (2021). Biology of Sex Differences. PMID: 34670620
3. Cimons. “Everyone who ages can get cataracts. Surgery can help remove them.” The Washington Post, November 6, 2021
4. Smith, J. et al. (2004). Dry eye signs and symptoms I women with premature ovarian failure. PMID: 14769589