Celebrating Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Did you know that most women are at a greater risk for vision loss and impairment than men? The World Health Organization estimates that women account for 64.5% of all visually impaired people worldwide. Because of this, Women's Eye Health and Safety Month is observed during the month of April. Since women are more likely to suffer from eye-related problems than men, it’s essential to educate women on how to take care of their eyes and prevent eye injuries. Here are some specific steps you can take to ensure the health of your eyes and prevent vision problems.
 

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

The American Optometric Association recommends that adults have a comprehensive eye exam every two years, and annually for those who are at higher risk for eye diseases or have existing eye conditions. During an eye exam, your eye doctor can detect and treat any vision problems and identify any signs of eye disease, often before symptoms are present.
 

Protect your eyes from UV rays

Wearing sunglasses with UV protection is essential to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. UV rays can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions. When selecting sunglasses, make sure to get ones that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
 

Give your eyes a break from digital screens

Staring at a computer or phone screen for prolonged periods can cause digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms of this can include headaches, dry eyes, and blurry vision. To help alleviate digital eye strain, take breaks every 20 minutes and look away from your screen. Also, adjust the brightness and contrast of your screen to reduce blue light emissions, and consider wearing blue-light blocking glasses while working on digital screens.
 

Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen

Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help prevent vision problems. Nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy eyes. Foods that contain these nutrients include citrus fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and fish. Not only will you see benefits for your eye health, but your overall health as well! Regular exercise can help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, which can lead to vision problems. It can also improve blood circulation and lower the risk of eye diseases like glaucoma.
 

Don’t smoke

Smoking increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye diseases. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your eye health.
 

Take care of your contact lenses

If you wear contact lenses, be sure to follow the care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Improper use of contact lenses can lead to eye infections and other complications.