TOP TEN TIPS for healthy eyes

1. Stop Smoking

If you smoke, stop. Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing cataract and age related-macular degeneration.

2. Eat Healthily

Maintain a healthy diet and weight; obesity is a risk factor of age-related macula degeneration. (AMD). Lacking antioxidant vitamins like A and C. is a risk factor of both cataract and AMD. Include lots of Omega-3, found in oily fish in your diet.

3. Nutritional Supplements

Consider nutritional supplements particularly with a family history with AMD. Some specifically designed eye health such as iCaps, Visionace and Macushields are found in opticians, pharmacies and some health shops. Flaxseeds and evening primrose oil may help dry eyes sufferers.

4. Wear Sunglasses

Ultraviolet (UV) is a risk factor of 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 1836 to ensure good UV protection. UV absorbing lenses can also be added to everyday glasses.

5. Avoid Dry Eyes

With reduced tears eyes become dry and sore. Central heating, air conditioning and computers can make it worse. Around 15% of adults over the age of 40 suffer, twice as many as women as men. Lubricating eye drops such as Blink or Systane can soothe irritation and reduce discomfort.

6. Research Your Family History

Many eye conditions run in families, from simple long and short sightedness to more serious diseases like glaucoma. Knowledge of these eye problems in the family can help detect conditions before they become worse.

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 make our eyes work more efficiently and won’t make things worse.

8. Have Regular Sight Tests

Eye tests don’t just pick up eye problems, but general health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes as well. Some potential blinding conditions such as glaucoma don’t cause symptoms so vision can be lost without you realising. It’s recommended you have a sight test 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 ten minutes or so; look across the office or out of the 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 problems which needs treating. Most eye problems, if detected early, won’t cause unnecessary loss of vision. So have a check as soon as possible.