This is a big month for us at Real Eyes Optometry. The Prevent Blindness organization designated April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month to raise awareness about the various eye needs for women’s health. This campaign draws attention to the fact that women are more likely than men to suffer from vision problems.
The truth is that 91 percent of the women polled recently were unaware that they were at a higher risk. This means that most women are failing to take the necessary precautions to avoid eye damage and vision loss.
Women’s Health: Surprising Ways to Save Your Eyes
Understanding and reducing the risk of eye-related diseases can help prevent vision impairment and eventual vision loss. Here are some simple precautions you can take to protect your health, eyes, and vision:
- Inquire about your family’s history of eye diseases and conditions that may run in the family.
- Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays when you’re out in the sun.
- Avoid smoking and limit your exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Consume a healthy diet with proper nutrition and eye health supplements if prescribed by your optometrist.
- If you wear contact lenses, maintain a healthy eye and hand hygiene routine.
Since women live longer lives than men, many women develop eye diseases, as age is a significant risk factor for vision problems. Hormones play a significant role as well.
I once had a young woman as a patient, but her eyes were very dry, like those of someone older. Dry eyes are a common symptom in older, postmenopausal women with declining estrogen.
A dry eye is a condition in which people cannot produce enough of the natural tears that protect and moisturize the eye, leaving it dry and irritated and frequently interfering with vision. Dry eyes can be dangerous to one’s health if not properly cared for and treated.
Eye Care of Pregnant Women
Expectant mothers should be prepared for vision changes. Women with diabetes, or even gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy), should see their eye doctor at least once a year. We are all aware that women go through various changes during pregnancy, including nausea and body tenderness. However, many people are unaware of how pregnancy affects a woman’s vision and, in some cases, the baby’s health.
Expectant mothers may experience dry eyes, blurred vision, or severe changes. Women must be aware of the following vision conditions:
Blurred Vision: While minor vision changes are common while pregnant, it’s important to see an Optometrist if the changes are drastic or changing at a steady rate.
Dry Eyes: To alleviate discomfort, an optometrist in your area can prescribe artificial tears, gels, ointments, vitamins, and therapies. There are also non-surgical, technologically advanced treatments, such as radio frequency, that have the added benefit of reducing wrinkles and signs of ageing while improving dry eyes.
Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes: Be aware of any severe blurring, fluctuating vision, double vision, flashes or floaters in your vision, and any partial vision loss. These symptoms necessitate immediate medical attention.
Digital Eyestrain – a new challenge
Like the majority of us, you probably use screens for almost everything — to work, to relax, or simply to keep up with daily life. If your eyes feel dry and tired, your vision is blurry by the end of the day, or your head, neck, and shoulders ache all the time, your digital devices may be to blame.
We frequently take our eyes for granted, but you can avoid digital eyestrain with a few simple changes in how you use smartphones, computers, tablets, and other screens.
You don’t have to give up all screen time; however, here’s how to use your devices in a way that’s easier on your eyes.
Screen Dimensions: Keep your computer screen at least 25 inches (65cm) away from your face or an arm’s length away.
Screen Level: The screen’s center should be 10-15 degrees below eye level. With prolonged time spent in front of a screen, using a standing desk can help your eye level and posture.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: look at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. This calms down your focusing system.
Food to improve eyesight
Fish
Many fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Oily fish have oil in their gut and body tissue, so eating them provides more omega-3-rich fish oil. The fish with the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids are:
- tuna
- salmon
- trout
- mackerel
- sardines
- anchovies
- herring
Some studies have found that fish oil can reverse dry eye, including dry eye caused by excessive computer use.
Legumes and nuts
Nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids as well. Nuts are also high in vitamin E, which can protect the eyes from age-related damage. Nuts can be purchased in most grocery stores and online. Walnuts and legumes are eye-healthy nuts and legumes. Cashews, Peanuts and lentils also nourish your eyes.
Seeds
Seeds, like nuts and legumes, are high in omega-3s and a good source of vitamin E.
Seeds can be purchased at most grocery stores and online. Chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Fruits with citrus peel
Vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits. Vitamin C, like vitamin E, is an antioxidant are recommended for fighting age-related eye damage. Citrus fruits high in vitamin C include lemons, oranges, grapefruits.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy green vegetables are high in lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamin C, which is beneficial to the eyes. Spinach, kale, and collards are examples of well-known leafy greens.
Carrots
Carrots are high in vitamin A as well as beta carotene. Carrots get their orange colour from beta carotene.
Vitamin A is essential for vision. It is a component of the protein rhodopsin, which aids the retina in light absorption.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes, like carrots, are high in beta carotene. They are also high in the antioxidant vitamin E.
Beef
Beef contains zinc, which has been linked to improved long-term eye health. Zinc can help to postpone age-related vision loss and macular degeneration. Zinc is abundant in the eye, particularly in the retina and the vascular tissue surrounding the retina. Meats such as chicken breast and pork loin contain zinc as well, but at lower levels than beef.
Eggs
Eggs are high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help reduce the risk of age-related vision loss. Eggs are also high in vitamins C and E, as well as zinc.
Water
It may come as no surprise that a fluid necessary for life is also necessary for eye health. Drinking plenty of water can help to prevent dehydration, which can help to alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes.
Final words
According to studies, women are more likely than men to have vision problems. With women accounting for two-thirds of all blindness and other visual impairments worldwide, it is critical that women understand their eye health risk factors and schedule routine comprehensive exams.
Women are more likely than men to develop glaucoma, cataracts, and Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) due to their longer life expectancy and hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives.
It’s especially important to keep an eye on your eye health as you get older, because vision problems become more common in the elderly.
