Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month
April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Women are more likely than men to develop certain eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, dry eye disease, and vision changes related to autoimmune conditions. Hormonal shifts and longer life expectancy can also play a role in overall eye health over time.
That’s why routine, comprehensive eye exams are so important, especially for early detection and treatment of vision-threatening conditions. Early detection and consistent treatment can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss.
At Tennessee Retina, we encourage women to make their eye health a priority because early detection and consistent treatment can go a long way in protecting vision.
Here are a few helpful tips to support long-term eye health:
• Women 40 and older should have an annual dilated eye exam.
• Schedule an eye exam any time you notice a change in vision.
• Know your family history—certain eye diseases can be inherited. If you have a close relative with AMD, your risk of developing the condition increases.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Foods like salmon, broccoli, and dark leafy greens are great choices.
• Stay active—regular exercise is known to help reduce the risk of eye disease.
• Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses that block UV radiation.
• Avoid smoking.
We encourage women to take a proactive role in protecting their vision through routine care and healthy lifestyle choices.
