National Eye Health Week runs from 23rd – 29th September and is designed to promote healthy eye habits and educate people on the importance of eye health.
There are over 2 million people in the UK currently living with sight loss and every day, 250 people begin to suffer from a visual impairment. That’s one person every 6 minutes. [1]
The impact of vision loss
Vision loss is distressing and can be a frightening, lonely journey that impacts every aspect of a person’s life.
People suffering vision loss may have to give up hobbies, careers and more due to their deteriorating sight. The knock-on effect can lead to mental health difficulties including anxiety and depression. [2]
Preventing vision loss
Some sight loss is inevitable, but an estimated 50% of vision loss is preventable with the right steps. [3]
Keeping fit
Your vision is linked to your overall health, so it’s a good idea to keep fit.
Adults between the ages of 19 – 64 should aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. [4] Older adults should be physically active every day – even just light activity – and focus on exercises that help with balance, strength and flexibility. [5]
Aerobic exercises are particularly good to help patients at risk of glaucoma.
Eat a balanced diet
Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E and Omegea-3 fatty acids are great for your general health and your eyes.
Examples of these foods include:
· Fish
· Leafy greens
· Berries
· Beans and lentils
· Nuts and seeds
· Eggs
Protect your eyes
There are situations where your eyes need a physical shield such as doing DIY, playing sports or being out in the sun.
Protective goggles or safety shields should be used where recommended. For example, wearing goggle when sawing wood.
When out in the sun, you should wear UV-rated sunglasses to protect your eyes against UVA and UVB rays. You can read more about protecting your eyes in the summer here.
Regular eye tests
Adults should have their eyes examined every 2 years. However, some people may need their eyes tested more often, for example, people who have family history of eye conditions.
Many people believe eye tests are simply to check if you need glasses or not, but that is not the case.
Eye tests not only check your vision but can detect numerous eye conditions which can lead to sight loss. These include conditions like glaucoma and other health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. [6]
Spreading awareness
If you are concerned about your vision or have not had an eye test in a while, we would encourage you to make an appointment with your local optometrist for an eye test.
Book your eye test below or explore eye health more over on our blogs here.
SPECIAL OFFER
You may have heard in the news that people over 70 could soon need to pass a mandatory eye examination every three years to keep their driving licence.
In light of this, we’re offering those aged 70 and over a FREE upgrade to an advanced eye test if they book their test during National Eye Health Week! [7]
Don’t delay, take advantage of this limited time offer.
Book an eye test