Keeping An Eye On Vision Health (NAPSA)—Doctors say maintaining vision health can be espe- cially important for women. In fact, a new report from the National Women’s Health Resource Center: Women and Healthy Vision shows that women are at higher risk than men of having vision problems—including blindness—as they age. Fortu- nately there are ways to keep your eyes healthy. Try these tips: 1. Quit smoking. If you smoke, youre much more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, than non- smokers. AMDis the most common cause of blindness in those over 65. While there are some ways to slow its progression, there is no cure. 2. Wear sunglasses and a widebrimmed hat when you’re in the sun. These two simple steps can reduce your exposure to eye-damaging UV rays up to 18-fold. If you wear contacts, ask your eye care specialist about contact lenses with UV protection. 3. Watch your weight. Being overweight is a major risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is the lead- ing cause of blindness in those under 65. In addition, the Nurses’ Health Study from Harvard Med- ical School found medically obese women were 36 percent more likely to develop cataracts. 4. Take fish oil supplements daily, or eat fish two or three times a week. There’s someevi- dence that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and other foods may reduce your risk of AMD. Con- versely, limit the amount of veg- etable oil in yourdiet. 5. Eat three or more servings of fruit a day. In one study, women whodid so reduced their AMD risk waysto protect your vision health. by 36 percent compared to those whoate less than 1.5 servings. 6. Eat your spinach. What Pop- eye didn’t know was that spinach is a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin, powerful antioxidants that can reducetherisk of certain eye diseases, like AMD. Other good sources include any kind of leafy green vegetable such as collards and kale, as well as eggs and orange-colored fruits. 7. See your eye care professional for a full vision examination at least once every two years. Go moreoften if you have diabetes or any other eye-related condition. 8. Get a walk in every day. In one study, glaucoma patients who walked briskly four times per week for 40 minutes lowered the pressure within their eyes enough so they could stop taking their glaucoma medication. 9. Change your eye makeup every three to six months. It becomes contaminated with bacteria and can infect youreye. 10. Don’t fall asleep in your daily wear contact lenses. In fact, don’t ever wear them longer than they’re designed to be worn. For more information and a free copy of the Women and Healthy Vision Report, visit www.healthywomen.org or call 1877-986-9472.
