What can I do to Keep my Eyes Healthy?

The first, and perhaps the simplest answer is to wear protection against harmful UV rays. This doesn’t mean wearing sunglasses year round but DO ensure your spectacles have UV protection. Most of our anti-reflection lenses, including all of our Neva Max and SmarT lenses will ensure your eyes are protected against daily UV damage. Contact lens wearers should ensure their chosen lens also has UV protection AND wear protective sunglasses to protect the delicate skin area around the eyes.

However, a well-fitting pair of Polarised, Transition or UV tinted sunglasses are essential for those sunny days when UV rays reach dangerous levels. UV damage to the eyes can be a primary cause of cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis (corneal sunburn).

Eat your way to healthier eyes.

Remember your parents telling you to ‘Eat your vegetables’? Well, they were on to something!

Food

Diet is highly important in maintaining healthy eyes. Carrots contain beta carotene which, while essential, is not the only food that will help you to maintain healthy eyes.

Foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin such as kale, spinach, avocado and eggs can also help to maintain macular health.

Vitamins A, C & E found in broccoli, mango, carrots, tomatoes, berries, orange and grapefruit juice all contribute towards maintaining healthy eye tissue.

Omega 3 fatty acids from oily fish such as mackerel, tuna and salmon can help to reduce dry eye symptoms.

Seeds, beans, peas and lentils contain bioflavonoids and zinc which can prevent cataracts and protect your retina.

Stop smoking

Smokers are at a higher risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts than those who do not smoke. Smoking also alters the body’s ability to extract vitamins and minerals from food sources whilst increasing and exacerbating dry eye symptoms such as itching, watery and sore gritty eyes.

Regular visits to your optician.

Do you know how often you should visit your optician for a thorough eye test?

Guidelines suggest an adult aged between 16-69 should have a thorough eye test every 2 years. Whilst children under the age of 16, diabetics, those with glaucoma or glaucoma in the immediate family and adults over the age of 70 should be tested every 1 year. Your optometrist will advise you of the frequency in which you should have your eyes tested depending on your eye health or visual needs.

I don’t need glasses, my current glasses/contact lenses are fine, no need right? WRONG! Your optometrist does not just test your vision. A comprehensive eye examination will check the health of your eyes, pressure behind the eye, visual field and pathology of the eye as well as determine any visual changes since your last eye exam.