Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month is observed in April and designed to educate women about the steps they can take to help stop vision loss. In addition, Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month educates women that those age 40 and older should make their eyes a priority. The priority is to have a dilated eye exam to help prevent vision loss. It is also important to have a dilated eye exam any time a change in vision is detected.

At 90 and older, there are five times as many women living as men. Studies have shown that more women than men suffer from age-related macular degeneration. In addition, they suffer from cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These are the four leading eye diseases in the United States. Women are also at higher risk of developing sight-threatening autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

This eye care observance promotes vision awareness about the unique eye health needs and safety considerations for women. The campaign emphasizes how routine eye exams, proper eye protection, and healthy lifestyle choices are crucial. This is especially important to prevent vision problems and maintain optimal eye health among women of all ages.

Prevent Blindness During Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Prevent Blindness has designated April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month to educate women about the steps they can take today to help preserve vision in the future. According to the Prevent Blindness study, The Future of Vision: Forecasting the Prevalence and Costs of Vision Problems, these numbers will only continue to increase in the years to come.

Why More Women Tend to Suffer Vision Loss Than Men?

Women make up most of the 4.4 million Americans age 40 and older who are visually impaired or blind. Some eye conditions can cause vision loss and even blindness.

These include:

• Cataracts, a clouding of the eye.
• Diabetic-retinopathy, which causes damage to the blood vessels in the back of the eye.
• Glaucoma, damage to the optic nerve, often with increased eye pressure.
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) gradually affects central vision.

The easiest way to test for common eye problems is a dilated eye exam. According to the CDC, this exam is the best way to detect eye disease’s early stages.

Adopt Good Eye Habits to Lessen or Prevent Future Vision Problems

Receive an annual eye exam. Regular dilated eye exams help monitor your vision status.

Eat a healthy diet. Good nutrition is the key to good health, including your vision. Dark green vegetables reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Also, remember to keep your diet low in sodium and caffeine.

Quit smoking today. Crushing the habit of smoking can reduce the risk of a host of diseases such as cancer and respiratory issues. Smoking is the most important risk factor for AMD and progression.

Pregnant women should see their eye doctor regularly! If you are pregnant, discuss any vision changes with your eye doctor so you can get the correct prescription change, if needed.

Having healthy eyes not only keeps us alert but keeps us safe. It is of the utmost importance to keep our eyes safe and have regular eye exams to check for any problems.