May is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, an important time dedicated to raising awareness about protecting women’s vision health. Eyesight is essential to daily activities and quality of life, yet many underestimate its vulnerability and the importance of proactive care. Women, specifically, are at increased risk for eye diseases due to longer lifespan, hormonal changes, and autoimmune diseases.
Key steps for protecting your vision include:
- Annual Eye Exams: Comprehensive exams can detect eye diseases early, improving treatment outcomes.
- Wear Sunglasses: Protect against harmful UV rays that cause cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, and manage chronic health conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
- Eye Protection: Use protective eyewear during sports, gardening, and home projects to avoid injuries.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking greatly increases the risk of serious eye diseases such as AMD and cataracts.
These preventive measures significantly reduce the risk of serious conditions, including Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness among older adults, especially women. Approximately 11 million people in the U.S. have AMD, and regular check-ups, UV protection, and healthy living are key strategies for prevention and management.
During Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, take action to protect your vision and encourage others to do the same. To learn more about vision loss, including AMD, visit AgingResearch.org/aging-health/vision-loss.
Katrin Werner-Perez serves as the Director of Health Education at the Alliance
