People in Somerset are being encouraged to make eye health part of their everyday self-care routine, as an independent optician highlights the importance of looking after our eyes as part of this year’s National Eye Health Week.
Rebecca Donnelly, clinical director at Millicans and Mansfield Opticians in High Street, Wells, is supporting National Eye Health Week, which takes place from 21–27 September, and is encouraging local people to take some simple steps to protect their sight and make sure they don’t overlook their eye health.
This year’s campaign includes a ‘Self-care Fr-eye-day’, focusing on simple everyday steps people can take to look after their eyes, alongside a dedicated ‘Ageing Eyes’ theme highlighting the importance of eye health as we get older.
Rebecca said: “Our eyes are something many of us take for granted, but looking after them should be just as much a part of our everyday health routine as eating well, exercising and looking after our general wellbeing.
“National Eye Health Week is a great opportunity to remind people that there are some really simple things we can all do to look after our eyes – from having regular sight tests and eating a healthy diet to protecting our eyes from the sun and not smoking.
“It’s also important to remember that changes in our vision aren’t necessarily just a normal part of getting older. Regular eye examinations can help identify problems at an early stage, sometimes before you notice any changes yourself.
“We’d encourage anyone who hasn’t had their eyes examined recently to make an appointment and give their eye health the attention it deserves.”
According to National Eye Health Week organisers, more than two million people in the UK are living with sight loss severe enough to have a significant impact on their daily lives, with half of this sight loss considered avoidable. A sight test can also detect early signs of eye conditions such as glaucoma, as well as signs of other health problems.
As part of its Self-care Fr-eye-day message, National Eye Health Week is encouraging people to make eye care part of their everyday routine.
Simple steps include:
- Have regular sight tests – a sight test is an important health check, even if you think your vision is fine. National Eye Health Week recommends having your eyes tested at least every two years, unless your optometrist advises you to attend more frequently.
- Eat well – a healthy, balanced diet including fruit, vegetables, fish and wholegrains can help support healthy eyes.
- Stay active – regular physical activity is part of maintaining good overall health, including eye health.
- Don’t smoke – smoking can increase the risk of a number of eye conditions.
- Protect your eyes from the sun – take care to protect your eyes from damaging UV rays when the UV Index is 3 or above.
- Give your eyes a break – particularly if you spend long periods looking at screens or doing close work.
The Ageing Eyes theme will also highlight the links between ageing and eye health, including age-related eye conditions, falls, dementia and other health conditions. The message is not simply to accept changes in vision as an inevitable part of getting older, but to take action to protect sight and seek advice when changes occur.
Eva Vorosvaczki, practice manager at Eyetech Opticians in Market Place, Frome, added: “Good vision plays such an important role in our independence and quality of life, particularly as we get older.”
Optometrist Alison Harwood, from Optika Opticians in High Street, Weston Super Mare, said: “If you notice a change in your vision, whether that’s blurred vision, difficulty seeing in low light, changes in your peripheral vision or anything else that concerns you, don’t ignore it. We are here to help.
“National Eye Health Week is a timely reminder that a few simple habits and regular eye care can make a real difference.”
For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.bookaneyetest.co.uk.
