Steps to Avoiding Vision Loss for Women

More than 3.6 million Americans age 40 and older suffer from visual impairment. Of those impacted, 2.3 million are women.

April is Women’s Eye Health Safety Month and Prevent Blindness America has several tips for women to keep their eyes healthy:

• Get an Eye Exam: It’s important for women (and men!) to get an annual comprehensive eye exam from their Indiana eye doctor. An eye exam can detect more than just eye diseases!
• Know Your Family History: Genetics plays a key role in eye disease. Research your family’s health history and notify your Indiana optometrist of any eye diseases that run in your family.
• Eat Healthy: A diet rich in beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids can also help guard against vision loss from eye disease.
• Take Supplements: Antioxidants have been shown to actually reduce the progression of some eye illnesses, including AMD. Vitamin A, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin C and zinc are good sources to help maintain eye health. But be sure you check with your eye doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking (even second-hand smoke) increases the risk of eye disease.
• Wear UV Eye Protection: When venturing outdoors, wear brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses (Purifier® polarized lenses are the best!). UV rays are extremely dangerous to the eyes and have been linked to the development of cataracts and AMD later in life.

Share these tips with the women in your life!