April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Chicago-Prevent Blindness America (PBA) has designated April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month in an effort to educate women about the steps they can take today to help preserve vision in the future. Of the 4.1 million Americans age 40 and older who are visually impaired or blind, 2.6 million are women.

A recent study by PBA found that more women than men have age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, the four leading eye diseases in the country. According to the National Eye Institute, the causes are primarily due to longevity as well as hormonal factors.

“The first thing every woman should do, especially those ages 40 and older, is get a dilated eye exam,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and chief executive officer of PBA. “Through early detection and treatment, vision loss can be lessened.”

For more information on women’s eye health, including fact sheets on eye diseases, pregnancy and vision, and the safe use of cosmetics, visit www.preventblindness.org or call 800/331-2020.

For more articles in this issue of Ophthalmology Times eReport, click here.