What would your world be like if you couldn’t see? Unfortunately this is a problem faced by 1.8million people daily in the UK, sadly though with simple eye check and new glasses 53% of those people could be helped.

This week is national eye health, don’t become a statistic.

Follow these simple steps to help maintain your vision:

• Have an eye test every two years – not only will this detect sight problem, but often general health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure will be identified.

• Early detected and treatment is key to preserving useful vision in conditions such as glaucoma and age related macular degeneration. • Take regular breaks when working at a screen to help avoid sore, itchy and tired eyes. Remember the 20/20 rule - 20 minutes working, 20 seconds looking around.

• For healthy eyes, eat well, don’t smoke and wear eye protection in bright sunlight:

Smoking?

Smokers are 4x as likely to development age related macular degeneration (the leading cause of blindness in the 1st world) than none smokers

Eat well? How does that help my eyes?

Studies have shown that nutrients 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.

Foods containing eye- friendly nutrients include green leafy vegetables, oily fish such as salmon and citrus fruits. It’s all relative Talk to your relatives about your family eye health history as some eye conditions have genetic links such as glaucoma or squint.

Sunglasses aren’t just for summer:

Protect your eyes when it
is sunny or when you’re in high glare areas such as near snow or water. Cumulative UV exposure can increase your risk of developing cataracts or macular degeneration. When choosing sunglasses make sure that they are safe as well as stylish! Look out for the CE or BS EN 1836:2005 marks – this ensures that they provide a safe level of protection from the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays.