When it comes to vision impairments, 2 out of 3 women suffer from some type of vision problem or eye disease. This could be because women tend to live longer than men, but whatever the reason, as women we need to protect our eyes. Take it from your Indianapolis Optometrists Dr. Amy Walden & Associates, three-fourths of these problems are treatable and preventable.
Ways Women Can Protect Their eyes from Diseases and Vision Impairments
Prevention is key when it comes to proper vision care. When the last time was that you had a comprehensive eye exam? Was it this year, 2 years ago, 5 years ago? If you are like the vast population who wear eyeglasses or contacts over the age of 35, then you probably go in for an eye exam yearly. If you think you do not need to visit your Indianapolis Optometrists because you do not experience any vision problems, you could not be farther from the truth. Did you know that most eye diseases do not show any symptoms at all and can only be detected by certain tests from your local eye doctor? Many of these eye diseases cannot be detected without the tests your Indianapolis Optometrists will perform. Having your eyes checked yearly is the best way to prevent blindness and irreversible eye damage.
Common Eye Diseases Include:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Macular Degeneration
- Diabetic Retinopathy
Talk to your Indianapolis Optometrists if you:
- Have a family history of any eye diseases
- Diabetes
- Smoke
- Had a past eye injury
- Middle-aged
- Sun overexposure
Ways To Protect Yourself:
- Wear Sunblock, hats, and sunglasses that are 100% UV protected
- Quit Smoking – smoking contributes to eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, uveitis, dry eyes, and diabetic retinopathy
- Drink Responsibly – moderate your alcohol intake
- Exercise Moderately -this can prevent high blood pressure and obesity. This will also lower the risk for obesity, macular degeneration, and cataracts.
- Eat healthy. Omega-3fatty acids, zinc, vitamins C & E. Examples of some of these foods include but are not limited to leafy greens, salmon, tuna, eggs, beans, nuts, citrus fruits, and pork.
- Look away from electronics such as your computer screen every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds, 20 feet away. If you are glued to your computer screen daily, try and take a break at least once an hour. This includes walking away from the computer to give your eyes a break.
- Keep the prescription of your contacts or eyeglasses up to date.
- Have a comprehensive eye exam once a year from your Indianapolis Optometrists.
Visit Your Indianapolis Optometrists Today For More Eye Protection Tips
It is always important to see your eye doctor if you experience any eye symptoms that are not normal for you. Your eye doctor will be able to diagnosis what is wrong with your eyes and prescribe further treatment. Taking care of your overall health really does affect the health of your eyes. Many people do not correlate the two, but they truly go hand in hand. If you would like to set up an appointment at either of Dr. Amy Walden & Associates Indianapolis Optometrists office locations, contact us today.