Almost two million Britons suffer from diminished vision but studies suggest it is possible to slow or even prevent damage. According to optometrists, there are many ways to improve eyesight, from vision exercises to a better diet and supplementation.
1. Remember, what’s good for the body is good for the eyes
Dr Sarah Brewer, GP and medical nutritionist says: “All the usual lifestyle changes help to protect the eyes so if you’re a smoker quit. Smokers are three times more likely to develop cataracts and four times more likely to experience Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) than non–smokers.
2. Traffic light your way to great eye health
Rob Hobson, Healthspan’s Head of Nutrition says: “The National Eye Institute and other vision experts advise that a healthy diet is an important factor in eye health. Researchers have found that certain nutrients with antioxidant properties are beneficial. These include carotenoid compounds such as beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, and vitamins C and E. Zinc and omega 3 fatty acids are also important for eye health.
A great tip is to simply ‘traffic light’ your way to great eye health. Greens such as kale are high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are concentrated in the macula of the eye and help to filter out harmful light that can cause damage. Red and orange foods such as squash and tomatoes are rich in lycopene and beta-carotene that increase the skin’s defences against UV radiation and also help maintain the health and appearance of skin. Not a substitute for sunscreen, but offers added protection.
3. Stock up on some key eye care essentials for the summer
Summer plays havoc with our eye health so stock up on some essential eye care products that will offer relief from some of the irritation, puffy eyes caused by hay fever and other irritants this summer. Keep to hand Euphrasia A Vogel eye drops which also help wash any allergen or irritants out of the eyes. Plus, very comforting in the summer or irritated eyes try The Eye Doctor which is a hot eye compress that helps relieve symptoms of various eye conditions and complications by focusing on heating the eyelids externally. The warmth stimulates the glands to give relief from the tension and irritation of the eyes.
4. The 21st Century tires our eyes
Optometrist Ian White says: “Nearly 80% of the population are using computers, mobile phones and staring intently at some sort of screen or device for more than three hours a day. This Tech Age has taken a toll on our eyesight. There are some simple changes you can make such as:
- The 20/20/20 rule: work for 20 minutes then look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Sticking a note on your computer screen to remind you to ‘blink’. Studies have shown blink rates reduce by up to 70% when concentrating on a computer screen, which leads to dry and uncomfortable eyes.
- Optimising the position of your computer screen to make sure it’s at the correct height and tilted at the right angle for you.
- Keeping it clean – really simple but it’s surprising how many people strain their eyes by looking at dirty, smudged screens or struggle to see through greasy lenses in their glasses.
- Trying to minimise visual glare in your working environment by reducing reflections from fluorescent lighting and having appropriate blinds on nearby windows. For those that wear spectacles, ensure you have an anti-reflective coating on your lenses.”
5. Forties is the eye-eye milestone
Forties is a time when people start to notice changes in their eye health and this really is a key decade to make sure you put eye health as a priority by having yearly check-ups with your optometrist. More specifically, a shift in hormones in your forties can cause dry eyes, according to Dr Sarah Brewer: “In the years leading up to and after menopause, oestrogen and progesterone levels drop, and that is a leading cause of dryness. Prescription eye drops can help to rebuild tears to normal levels. Your diet also plays a key role in lubricating chronic dry eyes and keeping your body well hydrated is also vital.
6. Things we shouldn’t ignore
Everyday living puts our eyes under enormous strain but optometrist Ian White says: “There are certain signs we should not ignore when it comes to our eyes and some symptoms could hint at a more sinister condition and should be investigated.
- Occasional floating objects in our vision can be a natural sign of ageing. But when these floaters increase suddenly or occur with flashing lights, this can indicate a retinal detachment which requires you to attend your optician within 24 hours.
- Blurry vision can just mean you need to wear glasses for the first time, but if the vision in one of your eyes deteriorates much more than the other, this can indicate a more serious condition of your eyes or even an underlying brain condition and needs to be looked at further by your optometrist/ophthalmologist.
- Any sort of persistent or intense pain could be a sign of infection and this requires medical attention.
- Red or bloodshot eyes can be caused by many things such as allergies or excess dryness, but if there are any other symptoms such as swelling or pus then you need to see your GP/pharmacist as this could be an infection such as conjunctivitis.
7. A change in the seasons affects our eyes
“Spring and summer can play havoc with our eyes,” says Dr Sarah Brewer. Many people suffer from allergic conjunctivitis which can cause itchy, burning eyes, redness, watering of the eye and puffiness around the eyelids. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is normally due to hay fever but perennial allergic conjunctivitis can be caused by dust mites and pets. Dr Brewer advises aim to avoid known allergens where possible and use anti-histamine eye drops. Chat to your optometrist to see what options are available as, in some cases steroid eye preparations can be prescribed.
8. Choosing the right eyewear
From regular spectacles to sunglasses, contact lenses and now even ‘smart’ wearable tech eyewear. Optometrist Ian White says “There’s never been a better time to be a spectacle or contact lens wearer. You have the greatest ever choice to suit personal preferences, lifestyle and budget. With fashion, ease of use and eye health all playing a role in what people choose. Depending on their needs and their mood, many people have multiple pairs of specs and sunglasses that they interchange with contact lens wear on different days. Fashion and trends change every year (or less) with bold styles back in vogue and seen as an extension of someone’s personality.”
9. Simple top tips to protect your eyes
- All adults should attend the optometrist every two years for a routine check-up, or annually for children and the elderly.
- Always present your optometrist or doctor with any ocular or visual concerns sooner rather than later.
- Upgrade your medicine cabinet with a good eye wash solution and check expiry dates
- Get the right eye gear – ranging from sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays to protective safety eyewear to prevent damage caused by DIY accidents.
10. Can supplementing our diet make a difference to eye health?
Rob Hobson says: “Although diet should always come first, supplements are available. We know foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are good for eye health and these nutrients are linked to lower risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract and dry eye later in life. Supporting our diet with a supplement such as Healthspan Retinex® Max (60 tablets £18.45) that contains 20mg of natural lutein and 2,000μg of zeaxanthin sourced from marigolds. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) also included can play a role in maintaining healthy levels of these nutrients in the eyes.”
If you found 10 ways to super eye health this summer helpful, you’ll find more easy to follow eye health tips for people over 50 on our eye health in later life channel.
About the Author / Sarah Brewer
Dr Sarah Brewer is a regular contributor to 50connect, she qualified from Cambridge University with degrees in Natural Sciences, Medicine and Surgery. After working in general practice, she went on to achieve her master’s degree in nutritional medicine from the University of Surrey. As well as being a licensed doctor, Sarah is now also a Registered Nutritionist, Registered Nutritional Therapist and an award winning health writer. Dr Brewer writes widely on all aspects of health and nutrition, including complementary medicine and the safe use of herbal remedies and vitamin supplements. She has written over 50 popular self-help books, is the Editor of YourWellness magazine, and a regular contributor to national newspapers and key women’s publications. Sarah is married with three children and lives in the Channel Islands.
