Medically Reviewed by: Edward C. Wade, M.D., F.A.C.S.

April is Women’s Eye Health Month

April 2, 2015 . min read

Did you know women are more likely to suffer from visual impairments like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts than men? According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), out of the 3.6 million Americans over 40 who suffer from optical damage or injury (including blindness) 2.3 million are women.
For women age 40 and older it’s recommended that you have a dilated eye exam. It’s also important to have a dilated eye exam any time a change in vision is detected.
Other things you can do to help maintain good vision:

Don’t Smoke– Smoking significantly increases the risk of complications with certain eye diseases, especially in women.
Monitor your vision – Check it often, and check it one eye at a time. If you notice a change in your vision, please notify your eye doctor right away.
Eat a well balanced diet – Eat leafy green vegetables, oily fish, and fruits. Vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids are helpful in slowing down the progression of many eye diseases.
Exercise – This will aid in maintaining a healthy weight and good cardiovascular health. Obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can lead to specific vision complications.
Control your diabetes – Uncontrolled diabetes can cause permanent damage to eye structures.
Wear sunglasses
Educate yourself – About the possibility of a family history of eye disease and about eye diseases associated with your general health issues.