Eye Disease Dangers in Women

Our vision may seem a little blurry with age.

However, doctors have a very clear message.

"For those who have not had an eye exam, just realize that there are a lot of eye diseases out there, and virtually all of them can be slowed down or sometimes even prevented if we do an annual eye exam and pick those conditions up," said Dr. Barry Lee, an ophthalmologist.

According to the group Prevent Blindness America, women, more often than men, have leading eye diseases.

In fact, females are more likely to be visually impaired or blind.

But, a recent Harris poll shows that fewer than one in 10 women are aware of their increased risk of permanent vision loss.

Prevent Blindness America wants to educate women of this fact, although they stress the importance of baseline exams for everyone at age 40.

Here are some other things all people can do as they age to protect their vision.

Follow a healthy diet. Include dark, leafy greens.

Don't smoke, always protect your eyes from UV rays, and make your doctor aware of any family history of eye disease.

They say good health is important to maintaining good vision.