While everyone is susceptible to eye diseases, women are at a higher risk than men, especially during pregnancy and after menopause. This means they need to be extra cautious about eye care.
Ultra-Violet Protection
Women should wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection whenever they’re in the sun. This is essential to protect the eyes from the sun’s UV radiation, which can damage eye tissues. Some medications such as birth control pills, tranquilizers and certain sulpha-based medications put eyes at extra risk from sun exposure. If you take these regularly be very cautious about exposing your eyes to sunlight.
Nutrition and Eye Care
If you’re expecting, preserve your eye health by eating a well-balanced diet and if you have any vision problems consult an eye specialist right away. If you are of childbearing age, choose fortified foods that contain vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) to prevent night blindness. Since eye conditions can be genetic it is advisable to take care in the child’s interest as well.
Dry Eyes
Women, especially if they’re pregnant or postmenopausal are more susceptible to dry-eye syndrome. The eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears are of poor quality and evaporate quickly. When this happen’s the eyes sting or burn, feel scratchy, become irritated or water excessively. An eye doctor can prescribe eye drops to alleviate the symptoms.
ARMD
Women are at greater risk than men for developing Age related macular degeneration (ARMD).So make sure you consult an eye specialist if you have difficulty reading or need more light to see. Other symptoms of macular degeneration are reduced peripheral vision or problems with colors. Some studies show that Vitamin E, Vitamin C and beta-carotene supplements reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) in women.
Cataract
Cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which may dull and blur vision. Vitamin E, Vitamin C and beta-carotene supplements help reduce the risk of cataracts. After menopause, estrogen supplements can also reduce cataract risk. This condition is very damaging to vision and quite common in older people.
Blurry vision
Women who take birth control pills and experience blurred vision may also be at risk for migraine headaches. An eye care professional will be able to tell you if these headaches can be alleviated with proper vision care.
Focus on regular eye exams
Regular comprehensive eye care can prevent a lot of eye diseases and give a lifelong quality of life
Eye-Q Women Eye Care-Scheme
An exclusive department for Women’s Eye Care is now functioning at EYE-Q. Any woman above the age of 18 can register with the department and be eligible for a host of special care schemes exclusively for women. A few of the highlights are mentioned below: