Top Tips on how to love your eyes this Valentine’s Day

Eat Well

Protecting your eyes starts with the food you eat. Studies have shown that nutrients in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamins C & E may all help to prevent age-related vision problems, such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Food containing eye-friendly nutrients include green leafy vegetables, such as kale, spring greens, spinach and broccoli, oily fish, such as salmon and citrus fruits.

Quit Smoking

If you smoke, you have another good reason to kick the habit! Smoking is directly linked to blindness. Current smokers are up to four times more likely to develop macular degeneration (the UK’s leading cause of blindness) compared to past or non-smokers.

Protect your eyes from the Sun

Protect your eyes when it’s 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, UV 400 or British Standard marks – this will ensure they provide a safe level of protection from the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. All of the sunglasses we sell comply with these standards.

Check your relatives eye history

Talk to your to relatives about their eye health as some eye conditions, such as glaucoma or squints have genetic links. Our new OCT (Ocular Coherence Tomographer) scan can help us to detect signs of eye conditions such as glaucoma at much earlier stage.

Keep fit and healthy

We all know that regular exercise is essential to stay fit and healthy, but it also contributes to maintaining good eye health. We offer a wide range of sports glasses, from prescription swimming goggles, to specific glasses for running and don’t forget to wear protective eyewear when playing sports, such as squash to protect your eyes from injury.

Take regular breaks from your computer screen

Although working at a computer won’t harm your eyes, sitting staring at a screen for long periods of time can cause screen fatigue (sore, itchy or tired eyes and headaches). It is important to give your eyes a rest by following the 20-20-20 rule – look away from your screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds and focus on objects 20 feet away.

And last, but not least, have a regular eye examination

It is important to have regular eye examinations, even if you think your vision is fine. Some eye conditions, such as open angle glaucoma, may not show any noticeable symptoms, but will be detected by an eye examination. The eye examination can also help to detect other health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

So, let us help you to look after and love your eyes. Call us on 01227 760501 or book your eye examination now using the form below.