Did you know vision issues are more prevalent in women? According to Prevent Blindness, women make up the majority of Americans age 40 and older who are visually impaired or blind. Additionally, women represent 65 percent of the population affected by age-related macular degeneration and 61 percent affected by glaucoma.

April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, and MyEyeDr. is sharing five lifestyle habits women should consider to ensure optimal vision and eye health:

• Eat your vegetables and get moving. Diet and exercise play a factor in your overall eye health. To ensure your eyes are performing at their best, eat a diet rich in green, leafy vegetables, fruit and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid processed snack foods and soft drinks. Make it a goal to incorporate at least 30 minutes of exercise into your everyday routine.
• Toss expired skincare and makeup products. Most skincare and makeup products list an expiration date on the label – however, many times, this can be overlooked. When it comes to your eye health, you should be paying close attention to the expiration date on products that make direct contact with your eyes. Mascara, eye liner, eye shadow, facial soaps, moisturizers and even the brushes used to apply these products, can carry harmful bacteria, causing adverse effects like redness, itching and even conjunctivitis. 
• Be mindful of your eye health as you reach life’s milestones. Different stages of life bring changes in hormone levels, which can impact your eyes. For instance, a pregnant woman may experience light sensitivity or dry eyes, while women who are going through menopause may have inflammation of the eyes. Understanding the correlation hormones have on vision and eye-health will help your optometrist provide the best treatment as you experience these changing life cycles.
• Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Sunglasses serve as a fashion statement, but the right pair can shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays, even in the winter months. Prolonged and high levels of UV rays can lead to serious health problems, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Remember to sport your shades to protect your eyes during UV exposure.
• Schedule your annual eye exam. An annual eye exam is recommended for all women, even when vision issues aren’t apparent. Having a routine comprehensive eye exam is the most important thing you can do to prevent or treat vision issues. Consult your local optometrist and schedule an annual eye exam to detect issues early and ensure proper treatment so you can continue seeing clearly.

“More than 4.1 million Americans age 40 and older are visually impaired or blind and 63 percent of the affected population are women,” said Dr. Artis Beatty, chief medical officer at MyEyeDr. “While vision issues are more prevalent among women, it is our job to educate patients on ways they can incorporate healthy habits into their lifestyle and facilitate optimal eye health.”

This month is a great time to schedule your annual eye exam and ensure you’re taking care of your eyes, while taking advantage of the latest spring fashions. With brands like Ferragamo, Vera Bradley, DVF, Oliver Peoples and Ruby X, you’re sure to find the perfect styles to complement any spring wardrobe while correcting vision issues and protecting eyes from harmful UV rays. Make your appointment today at MyEyeDr.com. 

About MyEyeDr.

MyEyeDr. is mission driven to provide you the best experience in eye health and eye wear—from stylish frames to the latest technology in contact lenses. From your first comprehensive eye exam to your final fitting…see the MyEyeDr. difference!