Looking after your eyes
Having a regular eye examination (eye test) with your optometrist (optician) is the best way to make sure that your eyes are healthy.
Keeping your eyes healthy
Some sight-threatening conditions, such as glaucoma, have no symptoms and could cause you to lose sight before you notice a difference. An eye examination can pick up these conditions making sure that you get any sight saving treatment you need.
Contact your local optometrist now to book an appointment. You can search for an optician near you in England on the NHS Choices website, in Wales on NHS Direct Wales website, in Scotland on the NHS 24 website or in Northern Ireland on the Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland website.
Research suggests that the following points will make sure your eyes are healthy and your risk of developing an eye condition is as small as possible.
1. Regular eye tests
Everyone should have their eyes examined at least once every two years - even if there is no change in your vision. An eye examination can often pick up the first signs of an eye condition before you notice any changes in your vision. This can lead to you getting vital treatment at the right time, which could save your sight.
2. Stop smoking
Did you know smoking can double the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, the UK's leading cause of sight loss? In fact, the link is as strong as the link between smoking and lung cancer. Speak to your GP about stopping smoking. Find out more about smoking and sight loss.
3. Eat healthily and watch your weight
Eating a diet low in saturated fats but rich in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli may help delay the progression of cataracts and AMD. Oranges, kiwis, nuts, seeds and oily fish may also help prevent and slow down some eye conditions. Taking supplements is not a substitute for a healthy diet. It is important to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can increase the risk of developing diabetes, which in turn can cause sight loss. Find out more about nutrition and the eye and the link between obesity and sight loss.
4. Keep your eyes covered in the sun
UVA and UVB rays in sunlight can harm your eyes and may increase the risk of cataracts and AMD. Wearing sunglasses, glasses or contact lenses with built in UV filter will protect your eyes. Only buy sunglasses that have a CE mark or carry British Standard BSEN 1836:1997. Find out more about protecting your eyes in the sun.
A full range of eyeshields and sunglasses are available to buy in the Eyeshields and sunglasses section of the RNIB shop
5. Safety first
DIY causes thousands of eye related injuries each year. Always wear safety goggles (European Standard BS EN 166) to protect your eyes from flying debris and fine particles. Sport (especially racquet-based sports) also causes lots of eye related injuries each year. Investing in a good pair of protective sports goggles will help prevent serious damage to your eyes. Read more about keeping your eyes safe.
Sources of help
We also offer translations of eye conditions in other languages. If you would like further information about your eye sight contact our Eye Health Information Service:
RNIB Eye Health Information Service
105 Judd Street
It's common to experience strong feelings about sight loss and there will probably be times when you wish you had some emotional support. We can help, talk to us.Talk to somebody