We are passionate about providing the best practical and emotional support to help people with sight loss continue to live full and independent lives.
We are also committed to working towards prevention and reducing the risks of sight loss and so we are using National Eye Health Week (September 20th to September 26th) to raise awareness and encourage people to maintain healthy lifestyles and keep good eye care.
Looking after your eyes - Top tips for maintaining good eye health
Attend an opticians every two years or less if more at risk
Stop smoking, as it increases the risk by four times.
Maintain your 5 a day.
Keep alcohol consumption low.
Avoid too much screen time and use the 20-20-20 rule = every 20 mins, look away for 20 seconds at something 20 m away.
Keep fit and exercise regularly.
Wear protective eyewear when playing sports such as squash to protect your eyes from flying balls.
Wear protective eyewear if you are working with hazardous or airborne materials.
Wear safety glasses when carrying out gardening or DIY.
Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Wear sunglasses/filters with CE mark or BS EN ISO 12312-1;2013.
Use correct glasses for the right tasks – keep them clean and smudge free.
Look after your contact lenses appropriately – use solution to clean and take out at night.
Maintain diabetic/glaucoma medications and attend screenings or reviews.
If you experience any pain, blurring, spots or wavy lines, please contact your GP, optician, or even NHS 111 or A&E.
Nutrition
Having a good, balanced diet is an easy way to look after your eye health.
Studies show that what we eat can affect our vision, and antioxidants can help to prevent retinal damage. One anti-oxidant which is hugely beneficial is lutein. Nutrients in omega-3
fatty acids, zinc and vitamins C and E may also help to prevent age-related vision problems.
Foods recommended for eye health include:
Broad leaf greens such as kale, lettuce and spinach
Brightly coloured fruit and veg such as corn, carrots, orange, red or yellow sweet peppers, oranges and lemons
Oily fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel
Broccoli
Eggs
Leaks
Overcooking reduces the amount of nutrition in the foods.
If you notice any changes in your vision, or you are experiencing sight loss, please get in touch with one of our sight loss advisors on 01772 744148 or email enquiries@galloways.org.uk