Eye health: Protect your eyesight

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We rely on our sight more than any other sense and yet many of us do little to protect our eyes and keep them healthy.

So what can you do to keep your eyes safe? We spoke to David Cartwright, Professional Services Director at Boots Opticians, who gave us his expert advice on what we can all do to help our eyesight...

1. Get regular eye tests

Most people don't have regular eye checks. Some of us might not have been to the opticians since we were kids.

David Cartwright says: 'Everyone should have their eyes tested regularly, at least once every two years.

Eye diseases are usually painless and so you probably won't notice the symptoms if you have a condition.

A regular eye test will pick up most eye conditions early and the treatment will then be more effective. The more developed a condition becomes, the more damage is done to your eyes and this damage is often irreversible.

An eye test will also determine how quickly your eyesight is getting worse.

An optician will never prescribe you glasses if you don't need them - what he can do, though, is show you the difference you will notice with and without glasses.'

2. Lose weight

The fatter you are, the more likely you are to suffer from certain eye conditions. Obesity is a major factor in people who contract cataracts or a condition called macular degeneration.

Obesity is also linked to Type 2 diabetes, which in turn can lead to blindness - all in all a good reason to cut down your weight.
- Find out about more health risks linked to obesity

- Next: Why sunglasses and mangoes are good for your eyes

More help and advice

- Find in-depth info on cataracts
- In-depth info on macular degeneration
- Get all the facts on dry eyes
- Squints in children

By David Cartwright