The National Eye Institute reports that two out of every three people living with blindness or vision problems are women. Factors like longer lifespans and higher susceptibility to certain eye diseases contribute to this disparity. In particular, women are at greater risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts and glaucoma.
Prevent Blindness has declared April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month to educate the public on the increased risk for women and vision health issues, as well as steps that can be taken to prevent vision loss.
Make Your Own Health a Priority
At Texas Retina, we know that women often manage their family’s health and take care of everyone else first. However, it is important that women make their own eye health a priority. Early detection and consistent treatment can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss. Here are a few tips:
- Women 40 and older should have an annual dilated eye exam.
- They should also see their optometrist or ophthalmologist any time they experience a change in vision.
- Certain eye disease can be inherited so know your family history. If you have a close relative with AMD, you have a 50 percent chance of developing this condition.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. This should include foods such as salmon, broccoli and dark leafy greens.
- Stay active as regular exercise is known to reduce the risk of eye disease.
- Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing proper sunglasses that block ultraviolet radiation.
- Avoid smoking.