Regular Eye Tests: Visit your optician every two years for an eye test. It helps identify if you need glasses, assess your overall eye health, and detect other health conditions (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure) early.
Early Intervention: If you notice changes in your vision, book an appointment promptly. Early treatment improves the chances of managing conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet with green leafy vegetables and oily fish. These foods contain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and vitamins C and E, which help reduce the risk of age-related eye problems.
Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands before applying any eye/face cosmetics to prevent germs from entering your eyes, reducing the risk of infection.
Screen Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps reduce digital eye strain.
Lifestyle Factors: Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as these habits increase the risk of eye diseases like cataracts and AMD.
Humidity Control: During winter, using central heating for long periods can negatively affect your eyesight long-term. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping prevent dryness and discomfort.
Family History: Be aware of your family’s eye health history, as conditions like glaucoma and AMD can be hereditary. Early detection and monitoring are crucial.
Healthcare
How the eye works - RNIB
Aniridia - RNIB
Cataracts - RNIB
Strabismus and amblyopia/Lazy Eyes
- RNIB
Colour Blindness (CVD) - RNIB
Glaucoma
- RNIB
Retinitis Pigmentosa
- RNIB
Myopia - RNIB
Nyastagmus - RNIB
Retinal Detachment - RNIB
Macular Degeneration (AMD) - Macular Society
Government Articles
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) | Universal Credit Helpline: 0800 328 5644
Child Benefit
Disabled Living Allowance (DLA)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Disability and Universal Credit
Carer's Allowance
Other Organisations
Sheffield Children's Hospital | 0114 271 7000
Ophthalmology (Eye Department) - Barnsley Hospital | 01226 434343
Family Fund (Financial support for disabled children) | 01904 550055
Rotherham & Barnsley Mind (Mental health support) | 01226 211188