Presbyopia is a common eye problem that affects people as they age. It is a type of refractive error that results in difficulty reading or seeing things up close, and often requires the use of corrective lenses.

While both men and women can develop presbyopia, studies have shown that women tend to require glasses earlier than men. In this article, we will explore the gender gap in presbyopia and why women need glasses first.

What is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process, which is why it is often referred to as “age-related farsightedness.” It occurs when the lens inside the eye becomes less flexible and loses its ability to focus on close objects.

This means that people with presbyopia have difficulty reading, sewing, or performing other tasks that require close vision.

When Does Presbyopia Develop?

Presbyopia usually starts to develop in people over the age of 40. It is a gradual process and may not be noticeable at first. However, over time, people with presbyopia will have more difficulty reading small print and doing close-up work.

The Gender Gap in Presbyopia

Studies have shown that women tend to develop presbyopia earlier than men. According to the World Health Organization, women may experience presbyopia up to five years earlier than men.

There are several reasons why women are more likely to develop this condition earlier:.

1. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes that occur during menopause can have an impact on a woman’s eyesight. The decrease in estrogen levels can cause dry eyes, which can worsen presbyopia symptoms.

Research has also suggested that estrogen may play a role in maintaining the flexibility of the eye’s lens.

2. Eye Shape

Women tend to have smaller eyeballs than men, which can affect their ability to see up close. A smaller eyeball causes light to focus behind the retina, rather than on it, making it more difficult to see close objects clearly.

3. Genetics

Genetics also play a role in the development of presbyopia. Women may inherit genes that make them more susceptible to developing the condition at a younger age.

Treatment Options for Presbyopia

There are several treatment options available for people with presbyopia. The most common treatment is the use of corrective lenses, such as reading glasses, bifocals, or progressive lenses.

These lenses help to compensate for the loss of flexibility in the eye’s lens.

Other treatment options include:

Monovision contact lenses, where one eye is fitted with a lens for distance vision and the other eye is fitted with a lens for close-up vision
Refractive surgery, which can reshape the cornea to improve close-up vision
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK), which uses radio waves to reshape the cornea

Conclusion

Presbyopia is a common age-related condition that affects both men and women. However, studies have shown that women tend to require corrective lenses earlier than men. This may be due to hormonal changes, eye shape, or genetics.

Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for people with presbyopia, and corrective lenses are an effective way to compensate for the loss of flexibility in the eye’s lens.