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Many people often fear losing vision; yet take little effort in caring for their eyes. This is what the National Eye Health Week (23rd Sept - 29th Sept) aims to change. It aims to educate people on the importance of eye health and promote the need for regular eye tests. Around 2 million people are living with sight loss in the UK that affects their day to day living, yet half of this number could have been avoidable had people got proper eye care checks!
An eye test easily detects the early signs of eye conditions such as glaucoma, which can be treated if found soon enough. It can also flag up other health conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure which you can then consult your doctor about.
To maintain healthy eyes, you should:
Protect your eyes - wear eye protection during bright sunlight, or safety glasses if your job requires them
Eat well and exercise - maintain a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly
Manage health conditions - with your GP, monitor health conditions that can lead to eye problems such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake - smoking and excessive drinking can put you at greater risk of eye diseases
Limit screen time - ensure you take regular breaks from screens throughout the day, and use blue light filters when needed
Visit the opticians - book in for regular sight tests for preventative and detection measures. Most people have a sight test every two years.
Community eye care services available at many high street opticians include sight tests, as well as, enhanced services such as post-cataract care and appointments for urgent or minor eye conditions. You can visit your optician for:
Red eye or eyelids
Dry, gritty or uncomfortable eyes
Eye irritation and inflammation
A lot of recent discharge from the eye or watery eye
Recently occurring flashes or floaters
Painful eye
Ingrowing lashes
Recent and sudden loss of vision
Foreign body in the eye
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