Some sight-threatening conditions have no symptoms and could cause you to lose up to 40 per cent of your sight before you notice a difference. That's the shocking fact behind a new campaign launched this week (6-12 October) by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) for Eye Health Week.
The UK's leading sight loss charity is encouraging us all to take practical steps, such as getting regular eye tests, to safeguard our sight and keep our eyes happy and healthy.
RNIB optometrist Sonal Rughani said: "Your eyes might look great and your eyesight might be fine, but that doesn't necessarily mean your eyes are healthy. Some sight-threatening conditions such as Glaucoma have no symptoms in the early stages and can only be picked up through an eye test - yet many of us don't have regular check-ups.
"During Eye Health Week, RNIB is encouraging everyone to book an eye test to check the health of their eyes. An eye test isn't just about getting glasses - think of it as an MOT for your eyes that could end up saving your sight! As well as regular eye tests, not smoking, eating your greens and covering up your eyes in the sun will go a long way to protecting your sight and keeping your eyes happy and healthy."
There are around two million people in the UK with sight loss, but 50 percent could be avoided. Regular eye tests and a healthy lifestyle will help to protect your sight, so follow RNIB's five point plan during Eye Health Week (6-12 October).
Have a regular eye test - it could save your sight!
Your eyes might look great and your eyesight might be fine, but that doesn't necessarily mean your eyes are healthy. Some sight-threatening conditions have no symptoms and could cause you to lose up to 40 per cent of your sight before you notice a difference. An eye test could pick up on these conditions and save your sight.
A full eye test with your local optician should take around 30 minutes and RNIB recommends you have one at least every two years. Many people including children, the over-60's, and those on certain benefits are entitled to a free eye test on the NHS.
Don't smoke
Smoking greatly increases your risk of sight loss - did you know that the link between smoking and AMD is as strong as the link between smoking and lung cancer?
Smokers are twice as likely as non-smokers to lose their sight to AMD - Britain's leading cause of sight loss - and to develop the condition at a younger age than non-smokers.
If you already smoke, quitting will reduce your risk of AMD and benefit your eyes. Speak to your doctor for help to stop smoking.
Eat healthily and watch your weight
A healthy diet could make a big difference to your sight. Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli and you'll help to protect against eye conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Be sure to also include fruit such as oranges and kiwis, nuts, seeds and oily fish in your diet which are also great for your eyes.
Maintaining a healthy weight could also protect your sight. Obesity can increase the risk of developing diabetes, which in turn could lead to sight loss. If you find it difficult to maintain a healthy weight, ask your doctor for advice.
Cover up in the sun
It's been known for some time that harmful UVA and UVB rays contained in sunlight can damage your skin - but experts now think they could also harm your eyes. These rays may increase the risk of cataracts and AMD.
The good news is that you can protect your eyes by simply wearing sunglasses with a built-in UV filter. Only buy sunglasses that have a CE mark or carry British Standard BSEN 1836:1997.
Safety first
Accidents that threaten your sight can happen easily at work or at play.
Whether you're a keen gardener or a sports fan, always think about the potential risks to your sight and take the necessary precautions. For example, eye injuries can occur when playing racquet sports such as squash, so experts recommend that you wear eye protectors.
If you love nothing more than a spot of DIY, don't forget to wear safety goggles. It is easy for large particles to enter the eye and cause serious damage. Fine particles of dust and debris can also cause problems.
RNIB Eye Health Week runs from 6-12 October. For more information about eye health go to rnib.org.uk/happyeyes or call RNIB's Helpline on 0845 766 9999
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Notes to editors
For further media information, colourful photographs, or to interview a case study or RNIB eye health expert, please contact Christina Nicolaidou, Yashoda Sutton or Bill Alker, RNIB Press Office, 020 7391 2223 (out of hours mobile: 07968 482812). Reference: 50.