It is all too easy to take our eyesight for granted. But as we get older we may start developing eye problems or eye conditions that impact on our eyesight. Significantly, nearly 50% of all sight loss is caused by conditions that are either treatable or at least preventable. So, what can we do to protect our eyesight?
Does your family have a history of eye problems?
Glaucoma is an eye condition that can affect your eye sight and in the worst cases can cause blindness. However, it is treatable and can be controlled with medications. So, if anyone in your family has a history of glaucoma, make sure that you tell your optician when you go for your next check-up.
Eat your eyes healthy
Preventing eye problems can be as straight forward as keeping a good general health. Keeping your weight within normal limits can prevent diseases such as diabetes which can result in devastating eye conditions. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables and taking regular exercise can help.
It is also believed that nutrients such as vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent eye conditions such as cataracts. Stocking up on oily fish, nuts and pulses can add these nutrients to your diet.
Wear sunglasses in strong sunlight
We all know that too much UV light can be bad for our skin. But did you know that it can be bad for our eyes too? Wearing proper eye protection that blocks UVA and UVB can protect us from developing eye problems such as cataracts. When the sun is out, why risk it? Slip on the shades – but make sure that they have a UV rating and bear the CE mark.
Stop smoking
Smoking is a terrible habit. It can cause all sorts of illnesses including lung cancer and heart disease. But did you know that it can also cause eye problems, including blindness? Smoking increases your chance of developing eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration and eye inflammation. Furthermore, women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to deliver children who have eye disorders. It’s never too late to quit. Put your health first and put down the cigarettes.
Get regular check-ups
Prevention of eye conditions is always better than cure. So, get your eyes checked regularly. Not only will a review of your eyes pick up any simple eye problems such as changes in your vision, but it could spot early signs of general conditions such as diabetes or blood vessel disease which, if caught early enough, may be controlled if not treated. Look after your eyes and they will look after you!
Protective eye safety
Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home. Protective eyewear includes safety glasses and goggles, safety shields, and eye guards specially designed to provide the correct protection for a certain activity. Also, when protective eyewear is required as a part of your job, make a habit of wearing the appropriate type at all times and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Employers are required to provide a safe work environment.
Clean your hands and your contact lenses
To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Make sure to disinfect contact lenses as instructed and replace them as appropriate.
Give your eyes a rest
If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing on any one thing, you sometimes forget to blink and your eyes can get fatigued. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eyestrain.
About Ramsay Health Care
At Ramsay you won’t have to wait for an appointment or for your surgery. Your treatment may be covered by medical insurance and self-pay packages are available on request. We have first class facilities and all self-funding and most privately insured patients can enjoy exclusive benefits including superb food, a relaxing environment, priority access and appointments to suit your lifestyle. Our aim is to help you feel like a guest as well as a patient.