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Survey shows most women unaware of greater risk for permanent vision loss

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A national survey by Prevent Blindness revealed that only 9% of American women realize they are at a greater risk of suffering permanent vision loss than men.

The survey, conducted by Harris Poll from Jan. 24 to 28 among 2,039 U.S. adults 18 and older showed that 86% of women incorrectly believe that men and women are at an equal risk for permanent vision loss, according to a Prevent Blindness press release.

“These responses indicate an alarming lack of knowledge regarding women’s vision,” Mildred M.G. Olivier, MD, FACS, Prevent Blindness volunteer adviser and an expert on women and minority eye health, said in the release. “It’s apparent that a vast majority of women are unaware of the gender-specific symptoms, conditions and risks associated with vision health.”

Prevent Blindness is releasing the data as part of April’s Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month.

The press released stated that Prevent Blindness has created a new program, See Jane See: Women’s Healthy Eyes Now (SeeJaneSee.org) to provide free education on a number of topics from eye disease to vision changes during pregnancy.