Eyes are an important part of our body. Just like any other organ of our body, eyes too require proper care. You needn’t be paranoid about eye health risks though. Here you will find various tips to take care of eyes. In this fast paced world, everyone is busy in making and saving money. People are so busy in rationing their income and they often forget or skip their routine health checkups like an annual eye exam. As per the CDC report, about 61 million Americans are on the verge of losing their eyesight. Out of the previously mentioned figure, only half that number saw an eye doctor in the previous year. The numbers are obviously distracting because people equate their eye health with the ability to see.
Another reason for eye health risk includes the progression of age. Cataracts and glaucoma are some of the eye health issues that people face as they age. In order to determine the exact cause that hinders your eye health, schedule regular exams with your eye doctor.
Also Read: Kitchen cures for dark circles around the eyes
Eye health risks for men and women: It is a fact that women are more prone to eye health problems as compared to their male counterparts. As per the National Eye Institute, 3.6 million Americans aged 40 and older suffer from visual impairment conditions. Out of these 3.6 million people, 2.3 million are women. According to the World Health Organization, about 64.5% of women account for all visually impaired cases worldwide. Following is the list of top eye health risks faced by women.
• Cataract- Cataract is the one of the common causes of blindness worldwide. It is a condition when there is a clouding of the lens of the eye that impairs vision. An estimated 22 million Americans above the age of 40 have a cataract. The condition can be treated with surgery.
• Glaucoma- Glaucoma is regarded as the second leading cause of blindness in the United States. It is a condition in which the optic nerve of eye gets damaged. Glaucoma is often associated with a buildup of pressure inside the eye. The increased pressure can damage the optic nerve that transmits images to the brain. Moreover, if damage to the optic nerve from the pressure goes on, then the person may face permanent loss of vision.
• Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) – AMD is another eye health risk that may be the leading cause of vision loss among old adults. The condition happens because AMD causes damage to the macula, a small spot near the center of the retina.
Must Read: How to get longer Eyelashes with Careprost
Why are women at higher risk than men? Numerous factors account for eye health risks that make women prone to them as compared to men. Below are some of the factors that cause eye health risks that are as follows:
• Women live longer- A universally proven fact is that women live longer than men. That is why they are more likely to develop age-related eye diseases.
• Hormones- A woman’s life is full of tough tasks from menstruation to pregnancy, and menopause. These all affect a woman’s overall health including eye health too. During pregnancy, a woman faces varied problems including high blood pressure, eye migraines, light sensitivity, and dry eye syndrome. Moreover, 61 percent of menopausal women suffer from dry and itchy eyes due to hormonal changes.
• Lifestyle choices- Unhealthy diet and lack of exercise leads to obesity and other health issues including eye health.
• Diabetes- Diabetes is one of the primary health concerns worldwide, and one in 10 American women over the age of 20 have diabetes. People with diabetes are at increased risk of several eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy.
• Smoking- Smoking not only put your health at high risk, it also damages the eyes too. People who smoke are at high risk of AMD and cataracts.
Also Read: 8 Simple Tips For Healthy Eyes
How to take care of your eyes? Below are various steps you can follow to reduce the risk of severe eye conditions: • Visit an eye doctor- Every person whether male or female should have a comprehensive eye exam by the age 40.
• Focus on a healthy diet- A diet rich in Vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, zinc, lutein, and omega fatty acids can help you decrease eye problems. Along with a healthy diet indulge yourself in physical activity too, as doing this reduces your risk of diabetes and obesity. • Quit Smoking- Quitting smoking decreases the risk of AMD (age-related macular degeneration) and the likelihood of cataracts.
• Sleep- Sleep is paramount because as we sleep, our eyes enjoy continuous lubrication. So, try to get to bed early, as during deep sleep the eyes clean out the irritants as allergens, dust, or smoke that have accumulated during the day.
• Wear sunglasses- It is recommended to wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection whenever you are in the sun. Sunglasses protect the eyes from the sun’s UV radiation, which can damage eye tissues.
Must Read: The Best Nutrition for the Perfect Vision
Conclusion: Eyes are very sensitive that require utmost care. So, try to make a routine visit to an eye specialist in order to decrease the eye health risks.
