Love Your Eyes

Love Your Eyes this Valentine’s Day

Your eyes are the most important sensory organ of the human body…..so let’s show them some love this Valentine’s Day:

1. Treat them to a nice dinner

Protecting your eyes starts with the food you eat. 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.

Be sure to include foods rich in eye-friendly nutrients, such as green leafy vegetables, oily fish (salmon and mackerel are perfect), eggs, wholegrains, chicken and citrus fruits, in your special Valentine’s meal!

2. Take them on a date……to see the Optician

It is really important to have your eyes checked regularly. You should get yourself tested every two years (or sooner if advised by an Optometrist) even if you think your vision is fine. Eye examinations can detect diseases early, such as glaucoma, which has no symptoms in the beginning.

Eye tests really should be a part of your health care routine just like going to the dentist, so don’t delay and make a date with us now for your regular eye examination.

3. Buy them some sunglasses

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 and macular degeneration.

When choosing sunglasses make sure that they are safe as well as stylish! Look out for the CE, UV400 or British Standard marks – this ensures they provide a safe level of protection from the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays.

4. Give them a break from your screen

Each of us spends an average of 8 hours and 41 minutes a day on digital devices* so its probably no surprise that 90% of computer users say they suffer from screen fatigue – headaches, sore or tired eyes and problems with close-up and long-distance vision.

Make sure you are giving your eyes a break, by following this simple 20-20-20 rule. Look away from your screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds and focus on an object approximately 20 feet away!

5. Don’t cloud them in smoke

Smokers are 4 times more likely to suffer from Macular Degeneration than non-smokers and are also likely to suffer the condition earlier than non-smokers. Smoking also increases your risk of developing cataracts.

The link between smoking and sight loss is as strong as the link between smoking and lung cancer.

So here’s to showing your eyes some love this Valentine’s Day!!

* Source: Ofcom