As women tend to live longer than men, they are at greater risk of developing age-related eye conditions. Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are all major causes of vision loss in older adults, both men and women. When not treated on time, these conditions could lead to loss of vision. If you are a woman, it is important for you to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect your vision. Here are some eye care tips for you:
1. Go regular eye checkups: Eye checkups are as important as physical checkups. Even if you don’t wear prescription glasses, you must get your eyes checked especially if you are close to 40. If you have a family history of eye disease, be sure to let your eye specialist know so that no signs of problems are missed.
2. Get the right nutrition: Eating a varied diet is important for getting the right nutrients for your health. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts. You can also include
certain foods in your diet that boost eye health. Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli are excellent sources of lutein. This antioxidant has been shown to help protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in older adults. Other nutrients that are important for eye health include vitamins C and E, minerals such as zinc and copper and Omega 3 fatty acids. By including these foods in your diet, you can help keep your eyes healthy and reduce your risk of vision problems as you age.
3. Eye care during pregnancy: Pregnancy-related hormonal changes can also affect vision. Water retention and increased blood circulation can affect the shape of the cornea, which can lead to temporary changes in vision. Hormonal fluctuations can also cause dry eyes, which may require the use of eye drops. If you are pregnant, it is important to see your eye specialist for a regular checkup.
Note: If you suffer from any pre-existing eye conditions, like glaucoma, high blood pressure or diabetes, it’s very important to tell your eye doctor that you are pregnant.
4. Wear protective eyewear: Excessive exposure to UV rays can lead to cataracts and eye tumors, so it’s important to wear sunglasses that can block out UV rays. You should also be careful to avoid eye injuries while participating in activities such as sports, swimming, working with sharp tools or cleaning with strong chemicals. Wearing the proper protective eyewear can help reduce the risk of serious eye injuries.
5. Care for contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, it’s important to follow a proper routine for cleaning, removing and replacing them. Poor hygiene or over-wearing lenses can cause corneal scarring, which may lead to loss of vision. To avoid this, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. Be sure to clean your lenses regularly with a lens solution and replace them as often as recommended by your eye specialist.
6. Be careful with eye makeup: Wearing expired eye makeup can cause a number of eye problems. Perhaps most importantly, though, wearing expired makeup can clog your tear ducts. This can cause a build-up of dirt and debris, which can scratch your cornea or lead to other eye problems.
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Our team of eye specialists in Kolkata has extensive clinical and surgical expertise in their respective specialities. We offer expert diagnosis, treatment and surgical procedures for cataracts , cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Find the nearest branch and call to book an appointment.