At Moorfields, we believe that people’s sight matters, and this week we will be sharing tips and information for staff and patients across our channels on how to protect your sight and keep your eyes healthy.
More than two million people in the UK are living with ‘avoidable sight loss’ - but there are some simple things you can do now to help take care of your eyes.
Sight tests
One of the simplest things you can do to protect your eyes is to have regular sight tests. Children under the age of 16, and some adults, are entitled to free sight tests. You can check whether you are eligible at https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical...
Contact lens care
Remove your contact lenses before having a wash or showering to reduce your risk of eye infection. It's also important to buy your contact lenses from an approved, registered practitioner. Buying lenses, dailies or cosmetic, off the internet can put your eyes at risk.
Carrots and other vegetables
Eating a healthy, balanced diet and drinking a moderate amount of alcohol can reduce your risk of developing common eye conditions. Eye friendly nutrients are found in many fruits and vegetables, including carrots!
Stub it out
Smoking causes damage to the eyes and can increase your risk of developing eye conditions such as macular degeneration. Cutting down or quitting altogether can reduce this risk. For support on how to stop smoking visit the NHS website at https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/
Screen breaks
Take regular breaks from screens to help prevent eye strain and dry eyes. Prolonged use can lead to blurred vision, eye fatigue, dry eyes and headaches. Set up your screen in the correct position and take regular breaks.
KnowYourDrops
If you've been prescribed eye drops for your condition, remember to follow instructions on how and when to administer them. Aiming eye drops at the correct angle or squeezing plastic containers can be difficult. Our short video below explains how best to put in your eye drops.
Looking after your children’s eye health
It’s just as important to look after your children’s eye health, ensuring they have regular checkups. Good eyesight is crucial in ensuring that a child develops to their full potential, but research shows that 20% of school-aged children have an undetected sight problem.
18 September 2023