Posted by: Kentucky Eye Institute in General Eye Health

Women's Eye Health March is Women’s History Month, a time to observe and celebrate the vital role that women have played in American history. Women have made significant contributions to culture, society, and medicine. Every woman is essential and contributes daily to improving lives, whether it be for family, colleagues, or the community. A woman’s everyday life is hectic and filled with many obligations that involve many priorities to complete. We hope you prioritize your health because fulfilling daily duties will be challenging if you are unhealthy. We want to raise awareness about women’s eye health as it deserves special attention for many reasons. Attention women! Did you know that taking care of your eyes is just as important as taking care of your overall health? Here are some important highlights about women’s eye health that you should keep in mind:
  • Women typically live longer, putting them at higher risk for diseases such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma.
  • Normal age-related hormonal changes may affect women’s eyes. Dry eye is common partly due to hormonal changes that come with aging.
  • Two-thirds of all blindness and visual impairment occur in women.
Women often neglect their eye check-ups due to busy schedules, leading to permanent vision loss. According to a survey by Prevent Blindness, only 10% of women know they are at higher risk than men, while 86% believe both genders have equal risk. One in four women hasn’t had an eye exam in two years. We urge all women to prioritize their eye health. Therefore, we strongly encourage all women to prioritize their eye health starting today. Ladies, listen up! Your eyes are a priceless gift and protecting them should be your top priority. That’s why having a solid prevention plan in place is crucial. So, what steps can you take to ensure your eyes stay healthy and bright? Read on for some expert tips that will help you safeguard your vision for years to come.
  • Schedule a comprehensive eye exam TODAY! Discuss with your eye doctor about how often you should have one.
  • Eat a healthy diet. A generous amount of fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, salmon, tuna, and other oily fish can lower your chance of eye disease.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and manage chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
  • Stop smoking! Smoking is linked to AMD, glaucoma, and cataracts.
  • Know your family history and share it with your eye doctor. Many eye diseases are hereditary.
  • Wear protective eyewear. Protect your eyes when doing household yard work, chores, playing sports, or working on a job that involves flying debris, sparks, or chemicals. Wear safety glasses, goggles, shields, or eye guards made of polycarbonate to protect your eyes.
  • Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses help protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays, which, when exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods, can increase your risk of cataracts and AMD.
Women, make time for yourself and schedule a comprehensive eye exam to continue conquering the world gracefully and making your mark on history!
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References: Women’s Eye Health Organization, Prevent Blindness, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and American Optometric Association. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided in this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.