COLUMBUS, Ohio — April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, per the nonprofit group Prevent Blindness Ohio.

What You Need To Know

  • Prevent Blindness Ohio is offering various resources in light of Women's Eye Health and Safety Month

  • Women are more prone to certain conditions

  • Pregnancy and menopause also lead to some vision changes

There are certain issues related to eye health that affect women in particular, according to a press release from the nonprofit. They are offering various resources this month to educate people on these conditions and their higher risks for women.

“Eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataract, dry eye, glaucoma, and thyroid eye disease, occur more frequently in women than men,” the release reads. “According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), on average women live longer and many eye problems are age-related. Social and economic factors affect women’s access to eye care, especially in developing countries.”

They also highlight that pregnancy and menopause can also lead to changes in vision and that women see “a higher incidence of refractive error.”

They suggest women do the following to keep their eyes healthy:

  • Eat healthy
  • Exercise on a regular basis
  • Avoid smoking
  • Discuss any family history of eye disease with a provider
  • Get treated early for any conditions

“Throughout their lifespan, women will likely undergo changes to their vision,” said Amy Pulles, president & CEO of Prevent Blindness Ohio, in the release. “Prevent Blindness Ohio continues to work to educate all on the importance of access to quality eye care and affordable treatment, especially women, who are at higher risk of vision impairment and blindness.”