National Eye Health Week
This year's National Eye Health Week (NEHW) will take place from 20 to 26 September 2021, promoting the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests for all.
Sight is the sense people fear losing the most, yet many of us don’t know how to look after our eyes – National Eye Health Week aims to change all that!
Here are a few lifestyle tips to get you started:
?⚕️ Regular check-ups - Get your eyes tested every two years even if you think your vision is fine. Your optometrist can spot signs of eye disease years before you notice a change in your vision and even detect a range of common health conditions including Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease.
? Talk to your relatives about their eye health as some eye conditions have genetic links such as glaucoma or squint.
?♂️ Keep fit and healthy - Being physically active could help reduce your risk of vision impairment. Brisk walks, swimming & cycling are all great ways to stay fit & healthy.
? 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 and E may help prevent age-related conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
? Be screen smart - Although working at a computer won’t harm your eyes, sitting staring at a screen for long periods can cause ‘screen fatigue’. Minimise these symptoms by following the 20-20-20 rule – Look up from your screen every 20 minutes & focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
So please help raise awareness of the importance of regular eye test with your friends and family and help promote good eye health.
To find out more about this campaign please visit visionmatters.org.uk. There are facts, an eye health calculator, podcasts and more!