Women are often the primary caregivers in their family, coordinating schedules, booking important appointments, and making sure their family’s health and wellbeing is looked after. In these uncertain times amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s also important to note that more than half of all women workers are employed in the 5 C’s: caring, clerical, catering, cashiering, and cleaning. This April, as we recognize Women’s Eye Health Month, keeping health and safety at the forefront of our minds and recognizing the selfless work of women feels all the more poignant.

Did you know? On average, women tend to live longer than men, which also makes them more susceptible to age-related vision problems and blindness. Women are more likely to suffer from age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts. Hormonal changes also make women more susceptible to symptoms and conditions like dry eye, especially when menopausal.

Here’s to reduce your risks:

Quit smoking. Every day you go without a cigarette, you’re repairing damage done to your body and lowering your risk of developing eye diseases like glaucoma and cataracts.

Schedule regular eye exams with your Beyond Vision optometrist. We’re currently only open for urgent and emergency eye care, which includes sudden vision changes, loss of vision, eye pain, and other concerns that could be related to eye disease.

Use polarized sunglasses when outside. Help block harmful UV rays – ask your Beyond Vision optometrist or optician for a recommendation at your next appointment.

Eat an eye-healthy diet. Foods rich in lutein, beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are important. Fish, eggs, fruit and vegetables, and green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale can help you get your recommended daily intake.

Stay active. Even though we’re all staying home, just going for a walk around the block or in your home can help get your blood flowing and muscles moving. Regular exercise is known to reduce the risk of eye disease.

Tackle your dry eyes. Dry eye syndrome affects millions of women and and is characterized by itching, burning, and irritation in the eyes due to lack of tears to lubricate the eyes. If left untreated, dry eye syndrome can actually damage the surface of the eye and cause vision issues — some permanent. Your Beyond Vision optometrist can help you keep your eyes hydrated and healthy.