According to Lighthouse International, several aspects that separate women from men contribute to greater risk factors when it comes to some areas of health. In fact, two-thirds of people in the U.S. who suffer from vision loss are women. This brings to the forefront the importance of women and eye health.

 

 

According to Vision Aware, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts are all common diseases that can be exacerbated or caused by the aging process, especially in women. Any or all of these diseases can cause permanent, uncorrectable vision loss if not diagnosed early and treatment started in the onset. Only 9 percent of women realize they are at greater risk for eye disease, and by the time changes in vision are noticed and an exam is done, the damage is usually permanent.

 

Another factor affecting women and eye health are hormones, according to Vision Aware. Synthetic hormones are used for birth control in earlier years and for control over symptoms of menopause in our later years. While both applications have positive health benefits, they can also affect your vision. Synthetic hormones bring with them the risk of vascular complications such as blood clots and stroke, both …

Caused by excess fluid in the eye, glaucoma results in increased pressure in the eye that may eventually damage the optic nerve, according to The Glaucoma Foundation. Unfortunately, by the time vision loss is noticeable, it is also permanent. A regular comprehensive eye exam incorporating optomap^®, which can help with early disease detection, is critical to prevent vision loss. For patients living with glaucoma and low vision, there is help. A low vision specialist can help you redesign your life so you can be safely independent.

 

 

Although there are many forms of glaucoma, the following four, according to The Glaucoma Foundation, are some of the most common:

 

1. Primary Open-Angle: Generally found in patients over 50, this is the most common form of glaucoma in the U.S. This form is characterized by blind spots that form first in the peripheral vision.

 

2. Normal Tension: Without the detection of higher-than-usual pressure in the eye, this form is thought to be caused by poor circulation of blood to the optic nerve. Vision damage can occur anywhere in the visual field.

 

3. Angle-Closure: Affecting nearly half a million Americans, this form of glaucoma affects those of Asian descent and far-sighted …

Sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, March is National Nutrition Month®. The theme for 2015 is “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle” and aims to educate people on the numerous benefits of eating healthy, maintaining physical activity and developing lifestyle habits. While a healthy diet and exercise program can help you lose weight, it is not just beneficial to your waistline. Because your eyes are complex organs that depend on healthy cells and numerous blood vessels, eating for eye health is important for your vision. Be sure to include these three tips when adopting a healthier lifestyle:

 

 

1. Increase Antioxidant Intake

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), antioxidants can help reduce the risk of developing a variety of visual impairments. Foods rich in Vitamins C and E work to create and maintain healthy cells, and there is evidence antioxidants such as these can help prevent glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Vitamin C is best found in fruits and vegetables while Vitamin E is found in nuts, sweet potatoes, and fortified cereals.

 

2. Eat your Greens

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are vital nutrients that protect the eye against blue light and act as antioxidants. The two nutrients, known …

Scott Schachter, OD added optomap to his practice in 2004 after his patients started saying that automatic dilation was keeping them away.  optomap, which is complimentary to dilation, provides him with clinical data for those patients who want an alternative or want to schedule dilation for a different time.

 

 

Over the years, optomap has enabled him to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases and to utilize optomap as part of a year-over-year treatment tool. He says, “The more images I see, the more I realize that I might not see them if I wasn’t using this technology.” Patient education and quality of care has helped him maintain a high acceptance rate, even after eight years.

 

The images provide the doctor with valuable clinical data for quality patient care and patients who have conditions such as diabetes can see the impact of the disease and understand the need for compliance better. Dr. Schachter says, “You can say the words, but without patients seeing what you’re talking about, it’s not the same.”

 

Practice Information

– Advanced Eyecare and the Eyewear Gallery – Pismo Beach, CA – Single doctor, private practice

 

Reason for Purchase

– Patient education …

In order for our organs, such as our heart and lungs, to function well and remain healthy, we must take care of them. However, we often neglect our eyes until we have a problem with our vision. In order to protect your and your family’s eyesight, the following basic eye care and health measures were suggested by the Center for Disease Control.

 

Regular Comprehensive Eye Exams

 

 

Regularly scheduled comprehensive eye exams are paramount to protecting vision. Eye diseases and problems that damage vision often start before you notice any symptoms. Unfortunately for many, once problems are noticeable, treatment is unable to restore lost eyesight. Be sure to provide the doctor with a complete family history, and stick to the schedule they provide for you and your family members. Ask your doctor if they use optomap® in addition to dilation.

 

Diet and Weight

 

Maintaining a healthy weight is very important. If you are overweight or obese, you are more susceptible to diabetes, which can lead to diabetic retinopathy, as well as an increased risk of developing glaucoma. Stick to a diet that bolsters eye health and your whole body will benefit.

 

Protective Eyewear

 

Whether …