Here are the top 10 tips for good eye health.
Wear your prescribed glasses – Your prescribed glasses will be comfortable, stylish but most importantly give you the clear comfortable vision you need to see well. Not wearing glasses when needed or wearing glasses that haven’t been professionally prescribed, may lead to eye strain, aesthenopia, head pain and discomfort.
Don't smoke - Smoking is directly linked to many adverse health effects, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Studies show that current smokers and ex-smokers are more likely to develop AMD than people who have never smoked. Smokers are also at increased risk for developing cataracts.
Eat right - Vitamin deficiency can impair visual function. A variety of vegetables, especially leafy green ones, and oily fish should be an important part of your diet. Researchers have found people on diets with higher levels of vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are less likely to develop early and advanced AMD.
Get an eye examination - Adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should get an eye examination every couple of years. Our optometrists will then advise on the necessary intervals for follow-up exams. Children, older adults or anyone with symptoms or a family history of eye disease, diabetes or high blood pressure should see an optometrist more regularly. If you believe you have an acute problem then do not delay. Osborne Harle offers some limited emergency appointments or alternatively attend your nearest hospital eye casualty service.
Eye protection - It is critical to wear proper eye protection to avoid eye injuries during sports such as squash and home projects such as home repairs, gardening, and cleaning. For most repair projects and activities around the home. Sports eye protection should meet the specific requirements of that sport. In the sun, UV blocking sunglasses delay the development of cataracts, since direct sunlight hastens their formation. Sunglasses prevent retinal damage; they also protect the delicate eyelid skin to prevent both wrinkles and skin cancer around the eye, and both cancerous and non-cancerous growths on the eye.
Know your family history - Many eye diseases cluster in families, so you should know your family's history of eye disease because you may be at increased risk. Age-related eye diseases, including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, are expected to dramatically increase by the year 2020.
Early intervention - Most serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma and AMD, are more easily and successfully treated if diagnosed and treated early. Left untreated, these diseases can cause serious vision loss and blindness. Early intervention now will prevent vision loss later.
Know your eye care provider - When you need an eye examination choose your eye care provider wisely. Make sure you will see the same person so you can build up a relationship for a lifetime of good eye health. As Osborne Harle, our optometrists are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of primary eye care you need and Mrs and Dr Harle are readily available for consultations.
Contact lens care - Follow the instructions regarding the care and use of contact lenses. Abuse, such as sleeping in contacts that are not approved for overnight wear, using saliva or water as a wetting solution, using expired solutions, and using disposable contact lenses beyond their wear can result in corneal ulcers, severe pain and even vision loss.
Be aware of eye fatigue - If your eyes are tired from working at a computer or doing close work, look up from your work every 20 minutes at a distant object for twenty seconds or so. If eye fatigue persists, it can be a sign of several different conditions, such as dry eye, presbyopia, or poorly centred spectacles. Make an appointment with us today determine why you are having eye fatigue and to receive proper treatment.
