Health And Wellbeing For The Over 50s

6 Tips for Maintaining Good Eye Health

eye health

This week is National Eye Health Week, which is a good reminder of how important it is to look after your eyes. It’s easy to take good eyesight for granted, or to assume that any problems which may arise are unavoidable, but there are actually plenty of ways to be proactive about your eye health. Here are some tips which can help to keep your vision and general eye health up to shape.

Tips for Maintaining Good Eye Health

1) Go for Regular Eye Exams

Having regular eye tests will not only keep you aware of how your vision is doing, but may also ensure that any eye conditions or general eye problems are spotted in time to be treated. Optometrists recommend that everyone has an eye test every two years, although those over the age of 40 may need them more frequently.

2) Keep Your Doctor Updated

If you notice any changes to your eyes or vision, make sure you visit your GP or optician to have the issue checked out. Make sure the doctor is aware of any health conditions you have, as some illnesses can be related to eye problems.

3) Give Your Eyes a Break

It’s now common for many people to spend the majority of the day in front of a computer screen, but it’s important to give your eyes a break from the monitor. Staring at a computer screen for too long can strain your eyes, blur your vision, and cause dry eyes and headaches. Experts recommend following the 20-minute rule: after 20 minutes of looking at the screen, rest your eyes by looking somewhere else for 20 seconds. You should also take a 15-minute break every two hours.

4) Wear Sunglasses

Too much exposure to sunlight can damage the eyes over time, increasing your chances of cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration, so make sure you protect your eyes from UV rays with sunglasses. You can read Dr Chris’s advice for protecting your eyes from UV damage, and learn how to choose the right kind of sunglasses, here

5) Eat for Good Vision

Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins C and E are thought to help ward off age-related vision problems, including macular degeneration and cataracts. For optimum eye health, try to include the following in your diet:

  • Salmon, tuna and other oily fish
  • Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale
  • Eggs, nuts, beans and other non-meat protein sources
  • Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices

6) Don’t Smoke

Smoking makes you more likely to suffer from cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration. If you are a smoker, quitting will have a real positive impact on your eye health, as well as your general health.

It’s easy to neglect your eyes because they rarely hurt when there’s a problem, but if you make looking after them a priority, you may be able to avoid experiencing problems in the first place. Remember, taking care of your eyes becomes increasingly important as you get older, because many eye conditions are age-related.

For further reading on the subject of cataracts, you may like to click on the link below:

What is the Cost of Cataract Surgery in the UK?

If you would like to read our comprehensive guide to laser eye surgery, click on the link.

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