Top Tips

Top 10 Tips for Healthy Eyes

1. Stop Smoking
If you smoke, stop. Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing cataract and age-related macular degeneration. However long you have smoked it’s never too late to benefit from quitting and reducing your risk.

2. Eat Healthily
Maintain a healthy diet and weight; obesity is a risk factor for Age Related Macula Degeneration (AMD). Lacking antioxidant vitamins like A and C is a risk factor for both cataract and AMD. Include lots of omega-3, found in oily fish, dark green vegetables and pulses (eg lentils) in your diet.

3. Nutritional Supplements
Consider nutritional supplements particularly with a family history of AMD. Some are specifically designed for eye health such as iCaps and Macushield (please ask for details). Omega 3, Flaxseed and evening primrose oil may also help dry eye sufferers.

4. Wear Sunglasses
Ultraviolet (UV) is a risk factor for cataract and AMD. Exposure when young does most harm, so protect children with sunglasses as well as a hat and sun block. Always wear sunglasses marked BS EN 1836 or UV400 to ensure good UV protection. UV absorbing lenses can also be added to your everyday glasses.

5. Avoid Dry Eyes
With reduced tears eyes become dry and sore. Central heating, air conditioning and computer use, can make it worse. Around 15% of adults over the age of 40 suffer; twice as many women as men. Lubricating eye drops such as Systane can soothe irritation and reduce discomfort, but visit us first for an examination so we can give you the best advice.

6. Research Your Family History
Many eye conditions run in families, from simple long and short sight to more serious diseases like glaucoma. Knowledge of “problems” with sight can help detect a condition before it becomes serious.

7. Wear Prescribed Spectacles
Contrary to the myth, wearing spectacles and contact lenses doesn’t make your eyesight worse. Many eye and vision problems develop or increase as we age. Corrective lenses will help eyes work more efficiently and won’t make things worse.

8. Have Regular Eye Tests
Eyes tests don’t just pick up eye problems but general health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes as well. Some potentially blinding conditions such as glaucoma don’t cause symptoms so vision could be lost without you realising. It’s recommended that you have an examination at least every two years.

9. Take Regular Breaks
Managing workplace tasks, particularly close focusing, is important. Eye muscles are active which can cause tiredness and headaches even in those with normal sight. Let your eyes relax every hour or so – look across the office or out of a window.

10. Better Safe Than Sorry
The sudden onset of symptoms like blurred vision, flashing lights, floaters or eye pain might, in rare cases, indicate a problem that needs treating. Most eye problems, if detected early, won’t cause unnecessary loss of vision. So have a check as soon as possible.