Women Are at Greater Risk
Prevent Blindness, the patient advocate for healthy vision for over 100 years, has designated April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month. So why did they choose to single out women for eye health, and what exactly does this mean?
While everyone should take steps to take care of their eyes, most people do not know that women actually get eye diseases at higher rates than men. It’s true. Eye diseases and conditions that are more common in women include:
Why do women experience eye health issues more than men? One simple reason could be that women tend to live longer, and the longer you live, the more your eyes are likely to deteriorate. Longer-lived people may also be more likely to develop a cancer that requires treatment that could affect the eyes.
Other factors include the hormonal changes that women go through, such as during pregnancy and menopause, and the fact that women are more prone to autoimmune diseases like lupus and hyper thyroiditis, both of which can affect vision.
What Can Women Do to Protect Their Eye Health?
There are a number of steps that women can take to protect their eye health, and it doesn’t have to be the month of April when you do them.
One very important step that many women may neglect is taking care when applying cosmetics, especially eye makeup. It is very possible to damage the eyes if applying makeup carelessly. What does practicing good eye health with your cosmetics mean?
Important steps to take include throwing away cosmetics after three months, and absolutely not reusing cosmetics after you have had an eye infection. Also, as fun and convenient as it may be, do not share eye makeup with anyone else. Be sure to always wash your hands and face thoroughly before putting anything near your eyes.
Another step that everyone can take is to protect yourself form the sun. When you go out on a sunny day, be sure to wear sunglasses with reliable UV protection, and add a wide-brimmed hat if possible.
Other ways women can protect their eye health include:
- Quitting smoking
- Eating healthy
- Using contact lenses as directed
Is There Anything Else I Can Do to Protect My Eye Health Right Now?
One of the best things you can do to protect your health is to schedule regular eye exams. An eye exam by an optometric professional can not only make sure you are seeing as well as possible, but it can also help you catch any diseases or issues as early as possible, and early detection is critical when it comes to managing eye issues.
Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month is a great opportunity for you to schedule that eye exam you have been putting off. If you are in the Portland area, come to Beaumont Vision, in beautiful Beaumont Village, for a complete and thorough eye exam by an experienced, trained professional in a comfortable environment.
We have a fully modern facility, residency-trained optometric physicians, and an amazing selection of gorgeous frames for those who need new eyewear. We also provide dry eye management, LASIK care, cataract co-management and other vital eye care services. Contact us to book your appointment today!