The Importance of Good Eye Health

National Eye Health Week aims to promote the importance of good eye health, encouraging people to get regular eye tests.

We have five senses, and it’s imperative that we take care of them, however, many people don’t know exactly how to look after their eyes and sight.

Around two million people in the UK are currently living with sight loss, and half of these cases could have been avoided.

There are a number of ways that people can take better care of their eye health, that will in turn, help to prevent potential sight loss in the future.

Regular eye tests

First things first, it’s important to visit your opticians regularly. An eye test will look at the overall health and condition of your eyes, but can also check for signs of high blood pressure.

As well as this, an eye test can detect other problems such as glaucoma and diabetes, which, when spotted early enough, can be treated to prevent damage and protect vision. However, if the likes of glaucoma go undetected and the correct treatment isn’t carried out, this can cause irreversible sight loss.

Regular eye tests also ensure that you are wearing the correct prescription and at the right times. People’s eye sight can change, so it’s important to make sure that the prescription changes, too.

What’s more – if you need to wear glasses or contact lenses, then make sure you do!

Don’t smoke

Smoking can double the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, which is the UK’s leading cause of sight loss. It can also contribute to people developing cataracts, glaucoma and dry eye syndrome – so it’s important for people to quit smoking in order to protect their eye health as much as possible.

Sunglasses

It’s a good idea to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from both UV rays and glare from the sun – another way to keep your eyes in tip top condition!

If you wear prescription glasses on a day to day basis, it’s a good idea to get a pair of sunglasses that also have your prescription in them to ensure that your eyes are getting the best protection possible.

Eat healthy and stay hydrated

This may not seem entirely relevant, however eating healthy and remaining hydrated can help reduce your risk of eye disease.

Omega-3 fats, foods that are low in saturated fats, green leafy vegetables and a variety of colourful foods are key to eating a healthy, balanced and well-rounded diet.

Take a break

Whether it’s from your computer, the television, a crossword or a jigsaw puzzle, it’s important to give your eyes a break.

Using your eye muscles can cause tiredness, but can also be very straining – causing headaches and maybe even migraines.

With this in mind, taking regular breaks from any activity that requires longer periods of concentration is really important.

Eye health as we age

Many people, particularly as they age are worried about the potential of losing their sight so National Eye Health Week is a great way to raise awareness, and encourage people from a younger age to be mindful of their eye health.

If you receive care or support in any way, then your care worker can help you make the appointment and attend with you.