Last week was National Eye Health Week. Our sight is the sense most of us fear losing the most, but do you know how to look after your eyes?
As we age, we lose our ability to focus on close detail; this is called presbyopia (literally “old-eye”). You may first notice this when checking your watch, reading your newspaper or surfing the internet.
A typical 60 year old needs about three times as much light for reading as a 20 year old. An optometrist essentially measures how our visual system processes light, which is all that we see.
Recent research suggests that the lack of enough good light in your early years can damage your eyes and bring on early myopia, something which until recently we were unsure about.
In addition to this, the RNIB estimate there are two million of us in the UK who suffer from eye conditions, a figure expected to rise to four million by 2020. Four people per hour are told they have a sight threatening eye condition.
A well placed light makes a world of difference to those living with presbyopia or other vision loss, but there is no substitute for a thorough eye examination. It’s so easy to take your eyes for granted.
Research by The College of Optometrists just released reveals around five million Brits can’t remember or believe it’s been more than 10 years since they had an eye exam, despite the fact more than two thirds (66%) of us know that you can have a serious eye problem without realising, as there may not be any symptoms.
We’ve put together some top tips for healthy eyes;
Don’t forget your eyes – treat your eye health as you would any other part of your body. Go for a check up every two years, unless otherwise advised by an optometrist. Even if you think your vision is fine, some eye conditions, for example open angle glaucoma, and may not show obvious symptoms.
Eat well – protecting your eyes starts with the food you eat. Nutrients rich in omega 3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamins C and E may help to prevent age related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Try green leafy vegetables and oily fish, such as salmon, and citrus fruits.
Ensure you have enough good light – Everything we see is light. The right light that takes the strain away from your eyes will seriously improve your ability to see detail more clearly, plus read and concentrate in comfort for longer.