Other sites in our network: What's on TV | Now | Pick Me Up | Puzzles and Prizes
Branding_print

Eye health: Protect your eyesight

Eye health: protect your eyesight
Average rating: 3 out of 5 star rating

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

Average rating:

3 out of 5 star rating

All pages in this article


Please leave a comment, tip or story in the box below

No comments

Add a comment

Please enter the characters in the image:

IPC Media Limited, owner of goodtoknow.co.uk, will collect your personal information solely to process your request


Lose weight quickly with the goodtoknow diet club

Enter your details below to get a free diet profile

weight

height

age

sex


Win! Festive London trip

Win! a night in London with Dove Intensive Range

Go skating at an outdoor rink in the city and get Dove goodies too

Enter competition


Health

Menopause quiz

Menopause quiz

How much do you know about the menopause? Take our quick quiz to test your knowledge




Today's health poll

What are your energy levels like?


  • Really low, I'm always exhausted 47%
  • It vaires depending on what I've eaten or how much sleep I've got 50%
  • Pretty good, I have quite a lot of energy 3%