Eye Health Week September 2022
This National Eye Health Week, we wanted to remind you about the importance of looking after your eyes not just for this week but during your whole life. There are simple steps to make that won’t cause major changes to your daily lives but will have your eyesight because your vision matters (#visionmatters).
5 ways to improve your quality of life to keep your eyes healthy
Healthy Diet
“Being overweight or obese can impact on ocular health, the academic emphasised, referencing diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataract as vision-threatening conditions that are linked to being overweight or obese”.
Source: AOP
Research has shown that there is a link between a balanced diet and keeping our vision healthy. The types of foods that are beneficial for eye health are:
- Oily fish, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Citrus fruits that are jam-packed with vitamin C
- Dark, Leafy Greens improve your intake of lutein and zeaxanthin (which are important plant pigments for healthy eyes)
- Sunflower seeds & nuts are types of foods rich in vitamin E and high levels of omega-3
There are many other food types that aid your dietary intake to help your eyesight. For more advice on Food for Good Eyesight – check out our blog here: https://opticalleyecare.co.uk/food-for-good-eyesight-what-to-eat/.
Exercise
Being physically active has been proven to reduce the risk of visual impairments. Staying fit can help your eyes stay healthy, as well as the rest of your body.
Sleep
Sleep is important for your eyes because it helps them recover from eye strain and blurred vision bought on from computer use, mobile phone scrolling, driving and reading etc. Sleep stops dry eye syndrome because it gives them a chance to rest and rehydrate.
Wear Eye Protection
Whether it is wearing sunglasses to give your eye UV protection from the harmful rays of the sun or wearing protective eyewear when performing a DIY task to avoid eye injuries, it is important always to protect your eyes from harm.
Regular Eye Tests
It is important to regularly see your NHS optician/optometrist (such as Opticall, your local, independent mobile optician!). A comprehensive eye exam and eye health check should be carried out annually to check for any changes in your vision or to spot any issues/concerns with your eyes. Find out more about sight tests here at the National Eye Health Week’s website: Vision Matters.
To book a routine sight test with us, please call us on 02089984228, so we can organise an eye care appointment for you in your home/care home at a mutually convenient time/day.