Protect your eyesight: Part 2

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3. Improve your diet

Eating more fruit and veg isn't just good for your weight. There is evidence that eating brightly-coloured fruit and vegetables can protect your eyes.

David Cartwright says: 'Think traffic lights and you'll be well on your way - many of these coloured foods are high in antioxidants which keep the retina healthy.

Fruit and veg such as sweetcorn, kale, peppers, mangoes and pomegranates are all high in vitamins A, C and E, which will help your eyes.

If you have a family history of eye problems, it could also be helpful to take specific eye supplements to guard against early onset.'

Try something like Visionace, which also acts as a daily multi-vitamin.

- How fruit and veg can prevent cataracts

4. Stop smoking

Smoking has been linked to age-related macular degeneration. It increases the number of free radicals in the retina and this then deprives the eye cells of oxygen, which causes eye disease.

- Benefits of stopping smoking

5. Wear sunglasses

We're not suggesting you turn into a pop star and always keep your shades on indoors, but the harmful UVA and UVB rays in sunlight may well be a factor in conditions such as cataracts.

David Cartwright says: 'Even if you already wear glasses or contact lenses, it is possible to stop your eyesight getting worse by making sure you have a UV filter built into your specs.

If you don't need specs, wearing sunglasses is the easiest way to reduce the harmful UV light getting to your eyes.

Day-to-day, there's little harm from light in the UK, but if you go on holiday to sunny spots, or enjoy skiing, you need to beware of the much stronger and often harsher light.'

- Next: The truth about eye myths your mum used to tell you

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