If you look after your eyes – they will look after you
Maintaining good eye health is integral to a healthy lifestyle. We offer a range services to ensure that your eyes are in the best condition possible and our professional advice is welcomed by our patients. There are of course a few things that we can all do to help keep our eyes in the best condition, if you show signs of eye fatigue or experience sudden changes in your vision it might be that you need a check-up.
1. Stop smoking
Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration (AMD). A new awareness raising campaign is being organised to help the over 50s learn about the key symptoms of age related macular degeneration (AMD). The disease is the biggest cause of blindness in the UK, although 44% of the over 50s are unaware of it.
2. Eat healthily – A Feast For Your Eyes?
A poor diet can put your sight at risk. Yet, awareness of the link between diet and good eye health is low – a recent survey found 60% of people living in the UK had no idea that what they eat can affect the health of their eyes.1 Vitamins, minerals and carotenoids found in many fruits, vegetables and other wholesome foods can help protect your sight and keep your eyes healthy. Here are just some of the foods that are rich in eye-friendly nutrients… Cold water fish like cod, sardines and tuna are excellent sources of DHA, and Omega-3 fatty acids. These provide structural support to cell membranes and may be beneficial for dry eyes, and the maintenance of general eye health. Research has shown that eating just one portion of fish a week may reduce your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Blueberries and grapes contain anthocyanins, which may help improve night vision. Green leafy vegetables spinach or kale, for examples, are rich in carotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin may help prevent age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. These carotenoids may also reduce discomfort from glare and enhance visual contrast.3 Whole grains and avocados are rich in zinc and Vitamin B. Deficiency in complex B Vitamins may increase your risk of cataracts and retinopathy. Papaya is a good source of beta carotene which can help to prevent ‘free radical’ damage inside the eye. Eggs are rich in cysteine, sulphur, lecithin, amino acids and lutein. Sulphur may also help protect the lens of the eye from cataracts. Garlic, onions, shallots and capers are rich in sulphur, which is necessary for the production of glutathione, an important antioxidant required to help maintain healthy sight. Soy contains essential fatty acids, phytoestrogens, Vitamin E and natural anti- inflammatory agents. Vitamin E is important for the maintenance of good eye health. Unfortunately today’s busy lifestyles mean many people miss out on essential nutrients provided by a healthy diet,
3. Take nutritional supplements
If you’ve got a family history of AMD take iCAPS, Visionace or Macushield
4. Wear sunglasses
UV rays are a risk factor to developing cataracts and AMD in later life
5. Avoid dry eyes
Central heating, air conditioning and computer use can cause dry eyes. Lubricating eye drops such as Blink Eye Drops can reduce discomfort.
6. Research your family history
Many diseases like Glaucoma run in families, be safe by having regular check-ups.
7. Wear prescribed spectacles
Corrective lenses will help eyes work more efficiently.
8. Have regular sight tests
Eye tests don’t just pick up eye problems but general health problems too, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
9. Take regular breaks
Let your eyes relax every hour or so; look across the office or out of a window.
10. Better safe than sorry
The sudden onset of symptoms like blurred vision, flashing lights, floaters or eye pain might in rare occasions indicate a problem that needs investigating. So have a check up ASAP.
11. Looking After Your Lenses
You will see much better when your Hoya spectacle lenses are clear and smear-free, so clean them regularly with warm water. To wipe the lenses safely and without scratching, use a microfibre cloth preferably in conjunction with a lens spray cleaner. Never use paper towels or kitchen rolls, since they often contain wood fibres which can damage the lens surface. With anti- reflection, scratch resistant coatings, you are guaranteed the best possible performance and durability from your lenses!
12 Take Care With DIY
In total around 30,000 eye injuries a year are linked to DIY activity, many caused by flying wood, metal or concrete chips. Protective eyewear should be worn for activities such as hammering, chiselling, drilling, stripping paint, splitting tiles or concrete slabs, welding, painting ceilings and laying insulation. The rule of thumb is that if there is a risk of any object entering the eye, wear protective eyewear. Another common activity that can lead to eye injury is gardening. You don’t need to wear goggles for this, but some glasses or sunglasses can be useful to protect against canes poking you in the eye when bending down weeding or pruning.
When you buy eyewear protection, check it conforms to European Standard BSEN 166. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, these will not protect your eyes sufficiently, and protective eyewear should be worn on top to ensure adequate protection.
If you do experience an eye injury it is important to not rub the eye. You should seek medical assistance immediately.