How to keep your eyes healthy in the New Year

With 2019 fast approaching, here are a few tips for keeping your eyes healthy in the New Year.

Have regular eye tests
You should have your eyes tested at least every two years. Even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, it’s still really important as a test can pick up certain eye conditions at an early stage, allowing you to get the treatment you need.

It may also be possible to pick up on early stages of other conditions not directly related to sight.

Find out your family eye health history
Talk to your family members about their eye health history as some eye conditions have genetic links which increase your risk of developing them. Share this information with your optometrist or eye health professional at your eye test.

Quit smoking
Smoking is harmful to your eyes and can increase the risk of sight loss. Smokers are 2-4 times more at risk of developing macular degeneration than people who have never smoked. Stopping smoking can help to decrease your chances of developing macular degeneration.

Care for your contact lenses 
Thoroughly wash and dry your hands before touching contact lenses or your eyes. Lenses and their case should only be cleaned with the lens solution recommended by your optometrist.

It’s important to remember to avoid wearing your contact lenses before showering or swimming. Avoid exposure of your contact lenses to any water as it could lead to a rare but serious corneal infection.

Always follow the instructions that accompany your lenses or those given by your optician or eye doctor.

Protect your eyes
Wear safety glasses or protective goggles to protect your eyes if you work with hazardous or airborne materials or doing DIY, gardening or setting off fireworks. Protect your eyes when playing sports involving flying balls.

Keep fit and healthy
Being fit and well can help your eyes stay healthy - maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure may help with eye health.

Eat well
Having a balanced diet will help maintain your general health and your eye health. Foods for general good health include green leafy vegetables, oily fish such as salmon and citrus fruits.

Make sure your diet includes nutrients such as Omega 3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamins C and E. These may potentially help to slow progress of age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration.

Read more about eye health and eye conditions