April is Women’s Eye Health Month in the USA, and May is Healthy Vision Month in Canada too, so let’s take the opportunity to look at some tips for maintaining eye health and vision health, with a special focus on women.
Statistically, women are more at risk than men for eye disease, visual impairment, and blindness, especially after age 40. When it comes to serious age-related eye diseases, women represent well over half of the cases, with 61% of glaucoma cases and 65% of age-related macular degeneration cases being female. Women are also more prone to cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, and untreated refractive errors.
One of the reasons for women’s increased risk of age-related eye disease is that they statistically live longer than men. A recent study showed that there are twice as many women as men over the age of 85 in America. Additionally, not only are they living longer, but they are sometimes working longer as well, which often involves added computer and device use. This can lead to conditions exacerbated by blue light and ultraviolet exposure, such as dry eyes and eyestrain.
The good news is there are certain lifestyle changes that women can make to reduce the increased risk of developing age-related eye diseases. In many cases, blindness and visual impairment are preventable or treatable with proper awareness and precautions.
Here are seven lifestyle tips to protect your eyes and vision and reduce your risk of vision-threatening eye diseases:
1. Protect your eyes from UV exposure
UV radiation has been implicated as a risk factor for several eye diseases, including macular degeneration and cataracts. Sunglasses should be more than a fashion statement — they should have high-quality lenses that fully block UVA and UVB rays. Further, sunglasses shouldn’t be reserved for the summer. UV rays can penetrate clouds and bounce off snow and water, so rock your shades year-round, anytime you go outside.
2. Exercise regularly and eat a proper diet
Studies show that regular exercise and a diet rich in a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins, and fats promote eye health. Reduce sugar, processed foods, and white flour, and of course, refrain from smoking and excessive alcohol
consumption. This is the recipe not only for improved eye health, but for the health of your whole body and mind as well.
3. Take care of chronic conditions
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or chronic stress, managing these conditions will reduce your chances of developing eye diseases. Make sure you take care of your overall health, as it is all related to the health of your eyes.
4. Throw away expired makeup and skincare products, and replace brushes periodically
Many women habitually use makeup and skincare products beyond their expiration dates. This can be problematic, especially with liquid products and those that you apply close to the eyes, as they can carry harmful bacteria, which can cause infections and irritation. Check your products regularly and toss any that are past their prime.
5. Cleanyour eyes from makeup daily
Eye cosmetics are a frequent cause of dry eye, as they can block glands within the lids. Beyond eye irritation, styes or other eye infections can result, so do yourself a favor and clean your eyelids carefully at the end of the day.
6. Steer clear of over-the-counter contact lenses!
Colored contact lenses, in particular, are frequently worn by women. It is important to be fitted by a trained eye care professional for any pair of contact lenses, even if you don’t need vision correction. Contact lenses bought without a prescription and proper fitting can seriously damage the eyes.
7. Schedule regular eye exams
Many of the serious eye diseases mentioned above require early diagnosis and treatment to prevent vision loss. When caught early, vision can be saved or restored; otherwise, permanent damage can occur. That’s why it’s critical to schedule comprehensive eye exams regularly to check in on your eye health and identify any early signs of disease. Your eye doctor should also know about your family history and any other relevant lifestyle concerns that may put you at a higher risk of certain conditions.
Vision loss can be a devastating blow to one’s quality of life and independence, but so much of it can be prevented. Education and lifestyle changes can be key to helping women live a long life with clear vision and healthy eyes.