Ten Tips for Better Eye Health

With contributions from: Suzanne Dennis Bsc Hons MCOptom

Tip One – Eye Care

• Have an eye test at least every two years, to check not only your vision but also your eye and general health -don`t forget an NHS test is FREE if you are over 60.

Tip Two – Eyewear

• Wear your glasses or contact lenses to help you perform better at work, rest and play.
• Have more than one pair for specific tasks.
• Glasses these days can look and feel fantastic can change your image in an instant.
• Contact lenses are now available in most prescriptions and new materials mean they can be comfortable for long periods or just worn on a part time flexible basis.

Tip Three – Eye Protection

• UV protection for Eyes is as important as sunscreen for skin. Harmful UVA and UVB are invisible rays contained in sunlight and may be a factor in a number of eye diseases particularly cataract.

Tip Four – Stop Smoking

• 13 million smokers are doubling their chances of sight loss in later life.
• Age-related macular degeneration AMD is the UK`s leading cause of sight loss.500,000 people have AMD and an estimated 54,000 have the condition as a result of smoking.
• The link is as strong as the link between smoking and lung cancer and yet very few people are aware of it.

Tip Five – Eat a Balanced Diet

• Good nutrition is important for both general and eye health. It helps the body to grow, repair wear and tear ,protect against infection and function properly.
• It is important to maintain a healthy weight obesity increase the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes which in turn can lead to sight loss.
• Clinical trials have shown antioxidant vitamins found in certain foods to be beneficial to eye health particularly fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds and oily fish.

Tip Six – Blink Frequently

• The tear film is important for maintaining a healthy cornea and conjunctiva.
• A dry eye condition can produce symptoms of sore red eyes, a foreign body sensation and grittiness. Your Eyesore professional can assess the tear film and advise on the use of lubricating drops and gels or alternatives like the Eyebag.
• Regular blinking is important to re-distribute the tear film especially when using a computer or reading.

Tip Seven – Drink Water

• Drink at least 6 -8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.
• Your tears and the delicate skin around the eyes are particularly susceptible to dryness.
• De-hydration can lead to headaches.

Tip Eight – Wash Your Hands

• Regular hand washing helps reduce the spread of colds, runny eyes and eye infections like conjunctivitis.
• Hygiene is of the utmost importance when handling contact lenses and contact lens cases. Micro-organisms can be transferred onto the lenses and introduce infection into the eye.

Tip Nine – Be Aware

• Be aware of your family history of eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. Some sight threatening conditions like glaucoma have no symptoms and could cause you to lose 40% of your vision before you notice a difference.
• Flashes and Floaters may be a sign of retinal tear or detachment and require urgent investigation.

Tip Ten – Take Prompt Action

• If you experience any change with your eyes prompt diagnosis and treatment can help reduce long-term problems.
• We are here to give you advice on how to prevent or delay onset and picking up these conditions could save your sight.
• Every day ask yourself “ Do my eyes look good, feel good and see well?”