Eyes

When it comes to eye health, there are a few factors to consider as you age, says J. Daniel Nelson, MD, associate medical director of HealthPartners Medical Group and professor of ophthalmology at University of Minnesota. “You need to look at your family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetes.” These diseases will affect how closely your physician follows you.

For women, family history is not the only important factor to consider: blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking habits, and diet are extremely important in terms of eye health. “Diet especially becomes important from the standpoint of macular degeneration,” Nelson says. However, though there are varying factors to watch out for, it is important that care, including eye exams, still take place no matter how old you are.

In Your 20s
1. Regular Exams: As women enter their twenties, the key aspect to think about is how often you should have an eye exam, Nelson says. “If you have a complete eye exam, and it is normal, and there is no family history of eye problems, you can be examined every two years, which is what most insurance plans will cover,” Nelson says. One thing to keep in mind is that a complete exam includes having your eyes dilated to check for disease in the retina and the back of the eye—most walk-in clinics at optical shops don’t offer this.

2. Near and Far: “Probably the biggest change in twenties is in glasses prescription,” Nelson says. However, one condition that poses a risk to some twentysomethings is extreme nearsightedness, which means you are more at risk for glaucoma and retinal detachments. People who have this problem might need to have eye exams more often than those whose sight is normal.

3. Allergic Reaction: Another common problem among women in their twenties is allergies—itchy, burning eyes. “Often times, this can be dealt with systematically with an over-the-counter medications or a wet compress,” he says. However, if the symptoms are severe, people should see their doctor.

4. Prevention: One thing that is important across the board, Nelson says, is to wear sunglasses and sunscreen. Sunlight affects macular degeneration and cataracts, so it is important to do what you can now to help prevent these diseases in the future.