At the park I observed three different women sitting around with eyeglasses they picked up from the drugstore. Those glasses may be cute, they may be bejeweled and coordinate with your outfit…but if you’ve misdiagnosed the problem with your vision those glasses won’t help.

So a few people decide to self-prescribe, pick up some groceries and a pair of glasses on the same trip, and shell out $10 to $20 for readers…no harm, no foul, right? Not always. Many of these patients neglect regular eye exams, which “can lead to a myriad of concerns from simple eye strain or discomfort to undiagnosed glaucoma or retinal disease,” says Dr. Doan, of Vision Source in Missouri City. “It’s not uncommon for women to put their own health at the bottom of their list of priorities, but an annual eye exam is a ‘must-do’ for everyone!”

More women than men suffer from the four leading eye diseases in the United States….age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Whether this is because women live longer than men, making us more susceptible to age-related eye disease, or whether we put ourselves and our own health last, it’s time to make a change!

Dr. Doan says, “Prevent Blindness America has designated April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month. We encourage women age 40 and older to prioritize a dilated eye exam yearly…or anytime you notice a change in vision. In fact, if you notice a change in your vision, please call me right away. Make healthy choices: Exercise, eat a well-balanced diet rich in fish and including a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, and please don’t smoke. Work to control other health issues including obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes which can cause permanent blindness. Your eyes are impacted by and reveal truths about the health of your entire body.”

One last tip as summer approaches. Dr. Doan says, “Always choose sunglasses that block at least 99% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation. Long-term exposure to radiation increases your risk of developing cataracts, cancers of the eye, or macular degeneration. You can enjoy stylish frames in a variety of styles…just make sure they protect your vision!”

Dr. Anh Doan of Missouri City’s Vision Source
Dr. Anh Doan, O.D.
Vision Source!
281-261-2647
4725 Highway 6 South
www.visionsource-missouricity.com