There are several precautions you can take to keep your eyes protected, no matter what your age, lifestyle or circumstances

As you know, it’s important to wear sunglasses when you’re out in the sun, have regular eye tests and wear contact lenses responsibly to ensure your eyes stay healthy and problem-free for years to come. But what other measures can you take on a day to day basis to keep your eyes in great condition?

• Visit a trusted optician regularly. As well as eye diseases like glaucoma and cataracts, other non eye-related problems can also be spotted at a routine eye exam, such as diabetes, thyroid disease and even heart disease. This is why you should have a full eye examination at least every two years (or more frequently if you fall into the categories of certain risk criteria).
• Learn your family history. Many health problems are genetic, including eye conditions like glaucoma. If a member of your family suffers from poor eye health you should ensure that your optician knows about it, and attend regular sight tests too.
• Eat a healthy diet. Eating a wide range of foods will provide you with the vitamins and minerals needed to keep your eyesight in great shape, and can reduce your risk of developing diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. In particular, vitamins A, C and E help to maintain healthy cells and tissues in the eye, and fatty acids like omega 3 help to protect your eyes from damage.
• Protect your eyes at work. If you work in an office, take regular breaks from your computer screen to allow your eye muscles to relax and avoid strain. If you work outdoors or in hazardous environments you should wear protective eyewear to prevent damage to your eyes, including the invasion of dust, dirt or other foreign objects that could damage your cornea.
• Stop smoking. Research suggests that smokers are up to four times more likely to go blind because of a condition known as age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), which is irreversible. Smoking also constricts your optic blood vessels, increasing the pressure in the eye and making you more susceptible to conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and optic nerve damage.
• Make time to exercise. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the pressure inside the eyes over time, as well as improving the blood flow to your retina and optic nerve – this alone can reduce the risk of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) by up to 70%.

For more information on the ways in which you can keep your eyes and vision in top condition, or to book an appointment for an eye examination with us, give us a call on 028 9145 4141.