Women, Vision and Aging…New NWHRC report discusses women's eye health and how to protect your vision for the future

RED BANK, N.J., April 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Women are at greater risk for vision impairment than men simply due to time: women live longer than men, and nearly all eye conditions become more prevalent with age.

A new report from the not-for-profit National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC), Women and Healthy Vision, examines common age-related eye diseases and discusses ways to improve vision health and minimize risks for developing eye problems. The report shows that of approximately 3.4 million Americans with visual impairment, about two-thirds are women; additionally, two-thirds of the one million Americans who are blind are women.

"The report provides an in-depth look at the incidence of eye diseases among all women, the latest technology trends for treatment and prevention of vision impairment, and offers positive steps women can take to protect their vision," said Elizabeth Battaligno Cahill, RN, Executive Director of the NWHRC.

The report discusses the importance of maintaining general wellness and everyday health basics to preserve vision including eating a diet rich in fruits, grains and Omega 6 fatty acids.

Information about laser eye procedures, vision health for children, suggestions for eye-safe computing, and Top 10 lifestyle tips to preserve eye health also are part of the report. For example, wearing wraparound sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection along with UV blocking contact lenses provide an important shield from the sun. The report recommends all women get a complete eye exam by an eye care professional every two years.

For more information and a free copy of Women and Healthy Vision, consumers should visit http://www.healthywomen.org/ or call 1-877-986-9472.

The National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) is the leading independent health information source for women. The non-profit organization develops and distributes up-to-date and objective women's health information based on the latest advances in medical research and practice. NWHRC believes all women should have access to the most trusted and reliable health information. Informed women are healthier women.