looking after your eyes for lifelong eye health

As we get older, many of us become more aware that we need to adopt healthier habits if we want to stay fit and looking good. During lockdown, many of us have put a great deal of time and effort into exercising and eating healthily as we try to keep well through this stressful period. We may also have put off visiting a dentist for months, and now that things are relaxing, people are queueing up for dental appointments to keep our teeth in good condition.

But how often do you think of your eyes as needing the same kind of TLC as dental check-ups and treatment provide? In fact, when was the last time you had your eyes checked? Sight is probably our most precious sense – and, like fitness and dental health, our eye health generally deteriorates as we get older. One in five people (20%) over 75 has sight problems, and for those lucky enough to live to over 90, this increases to around 50%.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts are among the most common eye health conditions in later life. In many cases these conditions can be prevented from becoming serious if they are diagnosed early on. However, they often have few symptoms in the early stages, so it’s important to have regular eye checks with an optometrist to identify any hidden problems.

Free eye tests

The good news here is that anyone over 60 is entitled to a free eye test, whatever your income level (much like the universal entitlement to free prescriptions once you reach this age). The NHS recommends an eye test every two years, and a local optician will be pleased to provide this free service.

If you already wear glasses, it is still important that you get your eyes tested at least every two years (or more frequently if your optometrist or ophthalmologist requests this) and don’t wait until you think your glasses prescription might need updating. And if you don’t wear glasses, perhaps it’s time to find out if you could be enjoying much better vision with prescription glasses? This might mean being able to read better in low light, for example, or perhaps returning to crafts or other activities that have become more difficult over the years. In either case, if you have an eye test, there is no need to incur the costs of new glasses unless these are really needed – and you will still get the benefits of the eye health check-up.

Risks and benefits

It is worth remembering that, if you neglect your eye health and your sight, this could impact how you live your everyday life, and some aspects of your freedom could be at risk. Many people who suffer from eye conditions lose their driving licence once their vision becomes significantly affected, to protect the safety of other road users and pedestrians. By getting regular eye checks, you are less likely to lose this freedom, as these conditions can often be controlled or treated if they are caught early.

So, book an eye test today! Is it really worth the risk of not knowing what could be wrong with your eyes, especially when it’s so simple and cost-free to find out?

~ Katie Robinson