Why Women Need to Prioritize Eye Health | Blush & Bloom Podcast Ep.2

Many women invest in skincare, fitness, and self-care but often overlook one of the most important aspects of their health, their eyesight.

Eye health is usually not a priority until problems arise, but by then, it may be too late.

In this episode, Dr. Arila, an experienced optometrist, joins us to discuss why women tend to neglect their eye health, how screen time and makeup affect vision, and simple habits to protect eyesight before it’s too late.

In This Episode, We Cover:

💡 Why women often ignore their eye health – The common reasons women put off eye care and how this can lead to long-term damage.

💡 Recognizing early warning signs – How to spot symptoms like blurry vision, eye strain, and discomfort before they become serious.

💡 How screens impact your vision – The effects of prolonged screen time and how to reduce digital eye strain.

💡 The 20-20-20 rule and other eye care tips – Simple habits to protect your eyesight, especially if you work on a screen.

💡 The truth about blue light glasses and sunglasses – Do they actually work, and how do you choose the right ones?

💡 The impact of makeup and false lashes on eye health – Why certain beauty products can cause infections, inflammation, and even long-term eye conditions.

💡 How nutrition supports healthy vision – The best foods for eye health and the key vitamins you need for strong vision.

💡 Aging and eyesight – How to take care of your vision as you get older and prevent conditions like glaucoma and cataracts.

💡 Eye health myths and DIY treatments – The dangers of home remedies and why you should never rely on herbal or DIY eye care solutions.

💡 The importance of regular eye checkups – Why you should see an eye doctor twice a year, even if you think your vision is fine.

This conversation is filled with practical tips, expert insights, and easy-to-implement strategies for women to take better care of their eye health. 👁️✨

The Full Conversation: Why Women Need to Prioritize Eye Health

When we think about self-care, we often focus on skincare, fitness, and mental health.

But how often do we think about our eye health? Many of us take our vision for granted until we experience a problem. By then, it might be too late.

Why Women Neglect Eye Care

Women often put their families, careers, and appearance first, pushing their health including eye health to the back burner.

This delay can lead to irreversible damage. Many eye diseases, like glaucoma (often called "the silent thief of sight"), don’t show obvious symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Checkup?

Dr. Arila recommends visiting an eye clinic twice a year, once every six months.

During a routine checkup, an eye doctor can:

• Check your eye pressure (important for detecting glaucoma)

• Examine the retina and blood vessels

• Spot early signs of eye diseases

  
  

Even if you have no symptoms, early detection of eye conditions can prevent serious complications.

Early Warning Signs of Eye Problems

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them:

✅ Blurry vision

✅ Persistent eye strain

✅ Redness or discomfort

✅ Increased light sensitivity

✅ Frequent headaches after reading or screen use

These symptoms could indicate anything from dry eye syndrome to more serious conditions like cataracts or retinal issues.

How Screen Time Affects Our Eyes

With most of our lives revolving around screens, whether for work or entertainment, our eyes are working harder than ever. Excessive screen time can cause:

• Eye strain

• Dry eyes

• Blurred vision

• Headaches

How to Protect Your Eyes from Screen Damage

Dr. Arila recommends following the 20-20-20 rule:

🕒 Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen for 20 seconds at an object at least 20 feet away (about six meters).

This simple habit helps reduce eye strain and dryness, allowing your eyes to relax.

Additionally:

✔️ Use blue-light blocking or photochromic glasses when working on screens

✔️ Reduce screen time before bed

✔️ Blink often to keep eyes moist

Preventive Eye Care: What You Can Do

Taking care of your eyes doesn’t require a huge lifestyle change, just a few small adjustments can make a big difference.

1. Invest in the Right Glasses

• If you work on screens, get blue-light/photochromic lenses to reduce digital strain.

• If you spend a lot of time outdoors, photochromic or UV-protective sunglasses help shield your eyes from harmful sun rays.

• Avoid buying generic "blue light glasses" online, see an optometrist to get the right prescription.

  
  

2. Be Mindful of Makeup Use

• Avoid sharing mascara, eyeliner, or makeup brushes.

• Clean your brushes regularly to prevent infections.

• Remove eye makeup before bed to avoid irritation and inflammation.

  
  

3. Eat for Healthy Vision

Certain foods support eye health, including:

🥕 Carrots (Vitamin A)

🥭 Mangoes (Vitamin A)

🥬 Leafy greens like spinach (Lutein & Zeaxanthin)

🥚 Eggs (Zinc)

🥦 Broccoli (Antioxidants)

Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can help prevent age-related vision problems.

About Our Guest: Dr. Arila

Dr. Arila is an optometrist who is passionate about helping people protect their eyesight and prioritize eye health.

Fondly known as the “Book Doctor”, she is also an author, a book enthusiast, and an advocate for continuous learning.

She has written seven books, including five children's stories, Planning Your Wedding on a Budget, and her bestseller Marrying Your Friend, which has helped many singles and couples build meaningful relationships.

Dr. Arila married her friend of four years after successfully planning their dream wedding on a budget.

She also manages Rhema Bookstore and Library Services, where she encourages people to develop a reading culture.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Arila

📌 Instagram: @arila_osasere_imaghodor

Resources & Next Steps

🔹 Eye Health Checklist – Start implementing simple eye care habits today, like following the 20-20-20 rule, reducing screen time before bed, and wearing proper UV-protective sunglasses.

🔹 Schedule Your Eye Checkup – If you haven’t had an eye exam in the last six months, book an appointment with an optometrist. Early detection can prevent serious eye conditions.

🔹 Practical Self-Care for Your Eyes – Be mindful of makeup hygiene, avoid DIY eye treatments, and eat vitamin-rich foods to maintain healthy vision.

🔹 Want to hear more?

✨ Subscribe to Blush & Bloom on Spotify and YouTube for more health and wellness conversations.

Join the Conversation

💬 How often do you get your eyes checked? Have you experienced digital eye strain? Let us know in the comments!

For more insights on women’s health and wellness, follow Blush and Bloom on Instagram at @asele.tech or visit www.asele.tech.