Sight
500,000 people in the UK suffer from Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) or age related sight loss to you and me. But the good news is that there are things that you can do to put off the inevitable and protect your eyes for a few more years. You are right to have regular check ups, this is crucial for your eye health. Remember if you're over 60, or over 40 and have a relative with glaucoma or your have glaucoma or diabetes yourself, you're entitled to a free eye test. We always go on about it but the best thing you can do is stop smoking! Another key thing you can do to keep your eyes healthy is to wear good quality sunglasses. Studies have shown that too much sunlight could increase your risk of AMD and cataracts. Your eyes are at risk from UV damage - even on bright winter days – so it's worth investing in a good pair of shades. Look for a pair that have a CE mark to show that they meet European standards and also BSEN 1836:1997 which is the British standard. Pop on a hat too, one with a wide brim can cut down the amount of UV rays that reach your eyes by up to 30-50 per cent. Eating a healthy diet could help to protect your eyes too. A balanced diet packed with fruits and vegetables, oily fish and complex carbohydrates will give you the nutrients you need to keep your eyes in good nick. Make sure you get plenty of fruit, such as oranges, apricots, kiwis, grapefruits, peppers and tomatoes. They all contain high levels of anti-oxidant vitamins A, C and E, which help your body fight of damaging free radicals. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale, broccoli, peas and squash are also great for your eyes according to researchers at the University of Wisconsin. They contain two specific anti-oxidants, known as carotenoids, called lutein and zeaxanthin, which are particularly important for eye health. So eat up for strong sparkling eyes. |
