As well as having a regular free NHS eye examination, there are a number of other things you can do to look after your eyes, as set out below.
Further information on eye conditions and looking after your eyes can be found on the Look After Your Eyes website.
Give up smoking
Smokers are much more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (which is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK) and cataracts than non-smokers.
Further information and support for those looking to give up smoking can be found on NHS Inform.
Drink within the recommended limit
Heavy alcohol consumption may increase the risk of developing early age-related macular degeneration.
To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level:
- men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis
- spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week
- if you want to cut down, try to have several drink-free days each week.
Further information and support for those looking to reduce their alcohol consumption can be found on NHS Inform.
Protect your eyes from the sun
Getting out in the sun is important for your general health, but you need to protect yourself.
Never look at the sun directly, even when something exciting such as an eclipse is happening. Doing so can cause irreversible damage to your eyesight and even lead to blindness. Several studies also suggest sunlight exposure is a risk factor for cataracts.
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses can help protect your eyes from UV rays. The College of Optometrists recommends buying good-quality dark sunglasses – these needn't be expensive.
Look for glasses carrying either the CE or UKCA mark, or the British Standard BS EN ISO ISO 12312-1:2022, which ensures they offer a safe level of ultraviolet protection.
Noticing changes in your child’s vision
Children often don't complain about their vision, but they may show signs of being unable to see properly.
Things to look out for include:
- sitting close to the TV
- holding objects very close to their face
- blinking a lot
- eye rubbing
- one eye turning in or out.
If you think your child is having any problems with their vision, contact a community optometry practice for further investigation.
Children don't have to be able to read letters to have their eyes examined, and all children aged under 16 are entitled to a free NHS-funded eye examination every year and help with the cost of glasses and contact lenses.
Children also have their vision tested before they start primary school under the See4School programme, which is different from a regular NHS-funded eye examination.