April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Did you know that more women suffer from visual impairments than men? One reason why women are affected by eye health issues more than men is because they tend to live longer. Women are also affected by hormonal factors, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI). According to the NEI, 3.6 million Americans age 40 and older who suffer from visual impairment, including blindness, 2.3 million are women. Some other risk factors for visual impairment in women are age, smoking, poor nutrition, and obesity. How can you make sure that you are taking care of your own eyes? Here are some tips:

See An Eye Doctor

You should make regular eye exams a part of your health routine. Prevent Blindness America recommends that everyone should have a comprehensive eye exam by age 40, if not earlier, and follow up care as recommended by an eye doctor.

Ask Your Eye Doctor About Dry Eye

Did you know that  dry eye affects an estimated 3.2 million American women and 1.6 million American men over age 50? Asian and Hispanic women are more likely to be affected by symptoms of dry eye syndrome. If you are a woman who suffers from dry eye, make sure to ask your eye care practitioner about ways to help alleviate these symptoms.

Eat An Eye Healthy Diet

If you want healthy eyes, you should eat a diet that is rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids to prevent vision loss from eye disease.