April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and safety for women. According to the National Eye Institute, two out of every three people living with blindness or vision problems are women.

Women are more likely than men to develop certain eye conditions, and they also have unique vision concerns that need to be addressed. According to the World Health Organization’s World Report on Vision, women, on average, live longer than men, and are therefore at greater risk of developing eye conditions associated with aging.

With proper education and preventative measures, women can take steps to protect their vision and maintain healthy eyes.

Common Eye Conditions that Affect Women

One of the most common eye conditions that affect women is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a progressive disease that can blur your vision. This happens when aging causes damage to the macula, the central part of the retina that is responsible for sharp, clear vision.

Women are more likely than men to develop AMD, and it is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 60. Other eye conditions that affect women more than men include cataracts, dry eye syndrome, and glaucoma.

Women also have unique vision concerns related to pregnancy and menopause due to fluctuating hormone levels. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause changes in vision, including blurred vision, dry eyes, and light sensitivity. These symptoms usually go away after pregnancy, but it’s important for pregnant women to have regular eye exams to monitor any changes in their vision. Menopause can also cause changes in vision, including dry eyes and decreased visual acuity.

Preventative Measures for Eye Safety

To protect your vision and prevent eye injuries, you can take several preventative measures. One of the most important things you can do is to have regular eye exams. Eye exams can help detect eye conditions early, when they are most treatable. You should also wear protective eyewear when participating in activities that could put your eyes at risk of injury, such as sports or home repairs.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help protect eye health. Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, such as leafy green vegetables, fish, and nuts, can help reduce the risk of eye conditions such as AMD. Quitting smoking is also important, as smoking is a major risk factor for eye conditions such as cataracts and AMD.

By having regular eye exams, wearing protective eyewear, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can take steps to protect your vision and maintain healthy eyes. Be proactive when it comes to your eye health and book an appointment at Beyond Vision today!