A new survey from the American Optometric Association. found differences between men and women in their views and habits related to eye and vision health. The annual American Eye-Q® survey queried just over 1,000 U.S. adults on issues including seasonal eye allergies, foods for eye health and aging eyes. Among the findings:
- In the area of seasonal eye allergies, while more women (73 percent) than men (67 percent) report they experience itchy and watery eyes from seasonal allergies, more men (16 percent) than women (9 percent) missed work because of those allergies.
- The majority of men and women believe carrots are the best food for the eyes; however, carrots are actually bested by other veggies. “Spinach and other dark leafy greens are the healthiest foods for the eyes because they naturally contain large amounts of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin that can help protect against diseases like age-related macular degeneration," said Dori Carlson, O.D., president-elect of the AOA.
- More women (35 percent) than men (28 percent) are concerned with checking for UV protection when purchasing sunglasses.
- Both sexes are concerned with age-related changes in vision, although men are more likely to use brighter lights when performing tasks (36 percent) to cope with those challenges, while women limited night driving (35 percent).
