At least two million people in the UK are living with sight loss. Even though vision impairment can happen naturally, looking after your eyes will reduce the risk of any deterioration in the future.
In the following guide, we’ve outlined a few tips to help you make sure that your eyes stay as healthy as you do.
Why is it important to look after your eyes?
The importance of good eye health shouldn’t be underestimated. Even though at least six out of ten people would be open to consulting an eye doctor remotely, increasing the awareness of good eye health promotes overall wellbeing too.
Eyesight is crucial for health. Your eyes help you to navigate your daily life, with the majority of perceptions made through vision. By protecting your eyes, you’ll keep on top of any underlying diseases or conditions in addition to reducing the chances of vision loss.
How do you look after your eyes?
Eat a balanced diet
Trying to eat a healthy and nutritious diet could help to reduce the risk of developing certain common eye conditions. Certain foods containing high levels of specific nutrients have been associated with improved eye health.
Research has identified eye-friendly nutrients including lutein, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc. These include green leafy vegetables, raw peppers, seeds and nuts, sweet potatoes, and lean meats and fish.
Get your eyes checked regularly
Even if you think your eyesight is healthy, it’s a good idea to go for an eye test at least once every two years. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, it’s even more important to check your prescription with an optician.
There’s no risk of long-term damage if you’re wearing the wrong prescription, but you might still experience symptoms that affect your sight and comfort – including blurred vision and pain.
Wear eye protection
If you work in an industry that presents hazards to your face and eyes, it’s important to wear the correct personal protective equipment. This includes goggles and masks, but it’s also crucial to wear sunglasses if you’re spending a considerable amount of time exposed to direct sunlight.
Damage from the sun’s UV rays can be irreversible – so above all, try to avoid looking directly at the sun, even if you’re wearing glasses.
Avoid smoking
Any tobacco products could increase the likelihood of developing conditions like age-related macular degeneration, known as AMD. Even though this condition usually affects people aged 50 and over, it’s been linked to high blood pressure and smoking.
Smoking harms delicate tissues in the eye. It can also worsen existing sight problems related to diabetes, and because of its tendency to increase free radicals – which increase the effects of ageing – your eyes might deteriorate faster, too.
If you have any urgent concerns about your eye health, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local opticians at first instance.
