April is Women’s Eye Health month and we’re raising awareness and encouraging women to prioritize their eye health. Did you know that 2 out of 3 people living with vision problems are women?
Women are more prone to certain eye conditions such as dry eyes, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract and thyroid eye disease. This is often due to hormonal fluctuations (during pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause), auto-immune diseases, longer life expectancy and even certain medications such as birth control pills or fertility treatments.
Many women experience dry eyes as they get older, especially around menopause. This comes with increased tearing, stingy/sandy/peppery sensation and itching. During pregnancy, some may notice changes such as blurry vision, light sensitivity and puffy eyelids. These changes are usually mild and temporary, however, severe visual changes may be an indication of a serious medical condition and requires urgent attention.
Here are a few simple ways to keep your eyes healthy:
- Have regular comprehensive eye examination, especially if you notice any changes
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: eat healthy diet, exercise regularly, maintain normal sugar and blood pressure levels, stay hydrated and avoid smoking
- Be aware of your family history of eye diseases
- Practice good contact lens and cosmetic hygiene
- Protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce prolonged screen time
As a woman, taking small, proactive steps can make a big difference in your eye health. Don’t ignore what your eyes may be telling you, even the little signs. You can schedule an appointment via our website or visit any of our branches for a comprehensive eye examination. You can also encourage the women in your life to do the same.