Recently, I went to see Baz Luhrmann’s highly-anticipated adaptation of The Great Gatsby. I even re-read the book to reacquaint myself with the storyline and characters but the irony of needing 3-D glasses to appreciate the visual splendor was fascinating. And to be honest, a little confusing, do I wear the 3D glasses over my actual glasses? Put the reading glasses in front of the 3D glasses?
(Spoiler Alert)
I was fascinated by not only the decadence and opulence of the Daisy/Tom Buchanan’s old money, Jay Gatsby questionable nouveau riche (new money) but a billboard that appeared in the Valley of Ashes, the dreaded dismal area between West Egg and New York City.
The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are a pair of fading, bespectacled eyes painted on an old advertising billboard over the valley of ashes. I know there is probably another symbolic meaning of those big eyes looking down but those eyes reminded me that as I approached middle-age, the eyes were the first age-related change for me.
Is it possible to age-proof our eyes? Anyone over the age of 40 years old knows that it becomes increasingly difficult to focus on near objects. I fought it for a long time but, the dreaded reading glasses became part of my wardrobe just like anyone over 40–bifocals–if you already wear corrective lenses.
Wearing: Stella and Dot “Dot Bloom” Necklace, J.Crew Factory Jacket,Talbot’s Skirt, Walter Peplum Top, J.Crew MaryJanes Shoes
However, it doesn’t have to be down hill from here. Last week I talked about the importance specifically of eating a leafy-green vegetable in All Hail Kale. Just to remind you that kale provides excellent nutrients for the health of one’s eyes like lutein and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids help prevent UV rays from damaging the eyes and causing cataracts.
Those large looming eyes on the billboard it s great opportunity to remind you of some important eye health statistics
Two thirds of blindness and visual impairment occurs in women
Three quarters of visual impairment is estimated to be preventable or correctable
One third of age-rleated macular disease and cataract may be due to smoking
Four fifths of blindness and visual impairment occurs in developing countries
Globally: 37 million people are blind and 124 million are visually impaired.
USA: 1 million are legally blind, 700,000 of whom are women. Similarly, 3.4 million people are visually impaired; 2.3 million of these are women.
Women live longer than men, and many eye problems are age-related. Some eye diseases are common in women; for example, dry eye syndrome is 2-3 times more prevalent in women. Women are at higher risk of autoimmune diseases that may affect the eye, such as Sjogren’s syndrome.
Social or economic factors may limit women’s access to eye health care. Seek out programs or agencies in your area with free services to aid in eye health.
We talked in earlier posts about the importance of protecting your skin from UV rays,
“A Lineage from Grace” . Listed below are six ways to protect your eyes this summer:
1. Shield your eyes. Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim to protect you from ultraviolet rays may help delay cataracts and help reduce the risk of AMD (age-related muscular degeneration).
2. Eat right. A healthful diet high in green leafy vegetables, fish, fruit, and other foo high in antioxidants may help protect against age-related eye diseases.
3. Watch your weight. Obesity has been lined to the progression of AMD and an increase risk of cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.
4. Exercise. Regular physical activity may reduce risk of developing AMD, lower eye pressure linked with glaucoma, and reduce diabetic retinopathy progression.
5. Control blood pressure (see “Silent but Deadly” post), blood sugar, and cholesterol level.
6. Don’t smoke or drink too much. Smoking is associated with all four eye disorders, and too much alcohol is known to increase the risk of cataracts.
Just a reminder that my goal is to bring about awareness for women as we age. Three quarters of blindness and vision impairment can be prevented or treated. Women can help themselves and their families to lower the risk of eye disease (as well as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke) by practicing and encouraging:
Eye exams for the whole family including your mothers and older women relatives.
I can see clearly now, what about you?
Such a cute lead-in, I loved the way you brought The Great Gatsby into the post. I wish I wore glasses, but I don’t need them.
Thanks for the shout-out on the lead in from The Gatsby for this post about eye care. Your fortunate to not need corrective lenses/glasses to improve your vision.
Your ensemble is adorable, i love the color blocking. I want a cute peplum, I dont know how I dont own one yet. Yes being someone who has wore glasses since 4th grade I can completely understand and appreciate this post. Chan always wants glasses and I always tell her they are a wonderful accessory to my wardrobe BUT I cant see without them! lol
I had fun putting this outfit together, I pleasantly surprised myself with the results, thanks!! The peplum top is a must have wardrobe staple, so flattering!
Channing doesn’t realize how blessed she is not needing any type of corrective lenses.