top of page
All Services
Home  >  All Services

Basic Eye Care Tips and Advice

Wearing Sunglasses

 

Sunglasses protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays (UV). Too much UV exposure increases your chances of developing macular degeneration and cataracts. Most sunglasses protect from UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) light rays, Maui Jim lenses also protect form UVC (cancerous). 25% of all car accidents are caused from glare, polarised lenses help to reduce glare.

Use Safety Eye Wear

 

If you use hazardous or airborne materials at home or at work, wear safety glasses or protective goggles. This includes DIY, gardening or sports. Protect your eyes when playing any sports involving flying objects to avoid eye injury. Always wear protective face masks or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses to shield your eyes for sports.

Using Computers

 

Staring at a computer or phone screen for too long can cause dry eyes. We blink up to four times less when staring at a screen meaning we are not giving our eyes the opportunity to lubricate themselves sufficiently. Blink more or use lubricating eye drops to avoid discomfort and itchy eyes.  

 

Many patients report trouble focusing at a distance when using a computer for too long. We suggest you rest your eyes every 20 minutes, looking into the distance for 20 seconds. Never stay on a computer for prolonged amounts of time without a break. We recommend taking  a 15 minute rest every two hours. Neck, back and shoulder pain can be experienced when sitting at a computer. Posture is crucial, choose a supportive chair and make sure you sit upright with your feet flat on the ground. You should be level with your device. Don’t have your device on your lap or fixed on a wall above eye level.

Basic Eyecare

Stop Smoking

 

Smoking increases your chances of getting cataracts, age related macular degeneration or damage to your optic nerve and furthermore, sight loss.

Eat Well

 

 Keeping your eyes healthy starts with what is on your plate! Certain nutrients can help ward off age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts. Ensure you get plenty of Zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E.  Dark green vegetables, blueberries, salmon, eggs and citrus fruits all contain the vitamins and nutrients needed to keep your eyes healthy. It is important to maintain a well balanced diet; this lowers your odds of obesity and related diseases like Diabetes. The leading cause of blindness in adults is Type 2 Diabetes.

Have regular check-ups and find out about your family eye health history

 

Have your eyes tested when you’re due a check-up (usually bi-annually), even if you think your vision is okay. An eye test can detect a vast amount of unrelated illnesses and eye conditions not related to sight.  Lots of eye conditions are genetic which increases your chances of developing them, it is vital your optometrists are made aware of this.

Take care of your contact lenses

 

 When wearing contact lenses it is essential you wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling them. Do not swim in contact lenses and never clean your lenses or the contact lens case with anything other than what your optometrist has recommended for you.

Book Your Eye Test Today

bottom of page