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Get ready to put your focus on eye health and safety as we celebrate Women's Eye Health and Safety Month in April! This month-long observance was first established in 2003 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology to raise awareness about the unique eye health issues that women face. Did you know that women are more likely than men to develop certain vision problems, such as cataracts and dry eye? That's why it's important to prioritize regular eye exams and take proper precautions to protect our eyes. So let's celebrate this month by taking care of our precious sight – after all, it's truly a window to the world!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Importance Recognized</div><div class='timeline-text'>The World Health Organization recognized the higher prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in women globally.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Increasing Awareness</div><div class='timeline-text'>EyeCare America, an organization promoting eye health was formed within The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. It focuses partly on awareness for women's eye health and safety issues.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Study Published</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Eye Institute published a study affirming women are at higher risk for certain eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataract.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Month Assigned</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Academy of Ophthalmology established April as Women's Eye Health and Safety Month to raise awareness among women.</div></div></div> <div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Additional Supports</div><div class='timeline-text'>Prevent Blindness, the oldest volunteer eye health organization in the United States, starts a dedicated program for women's eye health and safety including online resources and downloadable materials.</div></div></div> <div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Encouraging Regular Screening</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommended that women over 40 get regular eye exams to protect against cataracts, glaucoma, and other vision problems.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Schedule an eye exam</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The best way to celebrate Women's Eye Health and Safety Month is by taking care of your own eyes. Schedule an eye exam with your optometrist and make sure your vision is in good shape.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself on eye health</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn about common eye health issues that affect women, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye. This will help you understand how to take better care of your eyes and recognize any potential problems.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread awareness on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your social media platform to share important information about Women's Eye Health and Safety Month and encourage your friends and family to take care of their eyes as well. You can also share resources and tips for maintaining good eye health.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraiser for eye health organizations</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family to raise money for organizations that promote eye health and safety for women. This could be through a charity walk, bake sale, or other creative fundraising ideas.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a vision board party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your girlfriends and host a vision board party where you can all create visual representations of your goals and aspirations. This is a fun way to celebrate Women's Eye Health and Safety Month while also focusing on personal growth and wellness.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness for women's eye health</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Women's Eye Health and Safety Month is the perfect time to spread knowledge about common eye health issues that affect women, such as dry eye syndrome, cataracts, and glaucoma. By raising awareness, we can encourage women to prioritize their vision and seek treatment when needed.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It emphasizes the importance of eye safety</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Not only does this month focus on eye health, but it also highlights the need for safety measures to protect our eyes. This includes wearing protective eyewear during activities like sports or construction work, as well as taking breaks from digital screens to reduce eye strain.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes regular eye exams for women</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment of any potential eye problems. By highlighting the importance of these exams during Women's Eye Health and Safety Month, we can encourage women to make their eye health a priority and schedule routine check-ups with an eye doctor.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Women are More Prone to Dry Eye Syndrome</h3><p class='facts-content'>Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, women are more likely to develop Dry Eye Syndrome, which can cause discomfort and blurred vision.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Two-thirds of Blinding Eye Disease Patients are Women</h3><p class='facts-content'>Due to their longer lifespan, women represent two-thirds of people dealing with blindness or visual impairment from diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Migraines Can Impact Women's Eye Health</h3><p class='facts-content'>Migraines, which are three times more common in women, can lead to visual symptoms such as seeing spots, temporary vision loss or distortion, creating a potential impact on women's eye health.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Smoking Greatly Increases Risk for Eye Diseases</h3><p class='facts-content'>Smoking increases the risk of developing several eye conditions including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. As women make up about 15% of cigarette smokers, this highlights an important area of focus in women's eye health.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Regular Exercise Can Lower Risk for Eye Conditions</h3><p class='facts-content'>Studies have shown that regular physical exercise can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration - a leading cause of blindness. This emphasizes the role of overall healthy lifestyle in maintaining eye health.</p></div></div>
Women's Eye Health and Safety Month is observed every year on April 1. In 2024, April 1 will fall on a Monday.
2023
Apr 1
Saturday
2024
Apr 1
Monday
2025
Apr 1
Tuesday
2026
Apr 1
Wednesday
2027
Apr 1
Thursday
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