Middle- aged women who suffer from vision problems could end up experiencing symptoms of depression as a result of these problems.
According to a new study by the North American Menopause Society, when middle-aged women suffer from aging -related vision loss, their risks of suffering from depression significantly increases. The results of the study were published recently in Menopause, the Journal of the North American Menopause Society, and are significant because women already have a much higher risk of depression compared to men. In fact, middle- aged women have a prevalence of depression that is higher than the rate for all other age groups. The results of the study are significant because they indicate that vision problems, if left untreated in women of this age, can increase the risk of depressive symptoms.
Middle -aged women may suffer from a number of conditions that increase their risk of poor vision. These conditions may include common conditions like cataracts which can be treated, and also other more chronic, hard- to- treat conditions like glaucoma. Middle- aged women are also more likely to suffer from hypertension and diabetes, conditions which are associated with eye disorders like diabetic retinopathy and hypertensive retinopathy. Women of this age are also at a risk of macular degeneration.
The study shows an association between mild and moderate to severe vision impairment with depressive symptoms in women. Vision problems, therefore, must be taken seriously, as soon as they begin to make their presence felt. Neither poor vision nor depression are conducive to healthy aging. If you are above 45 years of age, get your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist every year without fail. Bring any kind of eye problems like dryness of the eye, constant irritation, itching, blurred vision or redness in the eyes to the notice of your ophthalmologist immediately.