2. Retinal Problems

What it is
There are 2 common serious retinal problems - retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy. The former occurs when the retina (the "film" of the eye) is separated from the outer layers of the eye. This leads to vision impairment or complete loss of vision. Retinal detachment is caused by holes or tears in the retina. These holes or tears allow fluid to enter, which separates the retina from the underlying layers of the eye. Early symptoms for retinal detachment include floating black specks and flashes of light. In severe cases, there may be a dark shadow, blurred vision or blindness. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages tiny blood vessels inside the retina, which may result in blindness.

Who gets it
Women who have had cataract surgery or a family history of the condition, and women with high myopia degrees are susceptible to retinal detachment. Diabetic retinopathy only affects women with diabetes.

Solution
Surgery, freezing or cryopexy and laser photocoagulation for retinal detachment. Laser photo-coagulation and vitrectomy surgery for diabetic retinopathy. All diabetics should be screened annually for diabetic retinopathy.

3. Glaucoma

What it is
Glaucoma usually occurs when there is increased fluid pressure within the eyeball. This damages the optic nerve and may lead to blindness. It is caused by an imbalance between the production and drainage of fluid in the eyeball. There are 2 main types of glaucoma: Open-angle and closed-angle. Open-angle glaucoma does not have any symptoms until late in the disease, while closed-angle glaucoma can produce eye pain, redness, headache, nausea and vomitting, blurred vision and haloes.

Who gets it
Both open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma tend to affect the middle-aged and the elderly. Chinese women in this age group are more prone to closed-angle glaucoma.

Solution
Treatment includes eyedrops or tablets, laser and surgery.

4. Cataract

What it is
Cataract is a condition where the clear lens of the eye turns cloudy. This affects vision as it prevents sufficient light from entering the eye. It is a result of the ageing process, constant exposure to UV light, certain long-term medication and illnesses. The primary indications are blurred vision that cannot be fixed by regular eye aids, and increasing myopia.

Who gets it
It usually affects women above 55, but is also seen in younger women.

Solution
Phacoemulsification surgery is a permanent cure.

5. Thyroid Eye Disease

What it is
Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) is an eye disease of the thyroid gland that is responsible for regulating body metabolism. TED sufferers tend to have a staring appearance, protruding eyeballs, puffy eyelids, and double or blurred vision. At times, redness, tearing and gritty sensation of the eye will occur.

Who gets it
Women are more commonly affected than men.

Solution
Decompressive surgery to make the eyeballs less bulging; squint surgery to treat double vision and corrective elevation of the eye; and eyelid surgery such as blepharoplasty and lid retraction to reduce lid puffiness and a staring appearance.