Are You Protecting Your Eyesight?

Local expert corneal surgeon Mr Michael Tappin explains:

As we age, many of us begin to need reading glasses even if we’ve never needed glasses before. This is due to the lenses in our eye naturally losing flexibility over time, making it more difficult to adjust our focus from objects far away to those that nearby.

There are a few common eye problems and diseases that come with age, such as, dry eye, glaucoma, detached retina, macular degeneration and cataracts. Usually, these can be treated, delayed or reversed.

There are a few things you can do in your daily life to reduce the risk of developing age-related vision problems:

Protect your eyes from UV rays

We all know not to look directly at the sun and the damage this can cause to our eyes. But even indirect sunlight can cause damage. Wear sunglasses with UV protection to keep your eyes safe.

Avoid digital eye strain

Staring at screens can cause digital eye strain. Ensure you take regular breaks from looking at electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers. You can follow the 20-20-20 rule – spend twenty seconds, look at something twenty feet away, every twenty minutes to stop your eyes from tiring.

Stay active

Studies have shown, those who lead an inactive lifestyle tend to lose more vision as they age, as opposed to those who are active. So keep moving!

Stop smoking

Smoking greatly increases the risk of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Stopping smoking (at any age) can greatly reduce your risk of developing these issues. If you still need a push in the right direction with this.

Regular eye tests

Even if you have never had glasses before, ensure you are attending regular eye tests as you age, to catch any issues when they first appear. Early detection is key.

Find out more from your local experts at LaserVision in our other articles and throughout the website. To speak to a specialist call directly on 08000 24 8888.