DON’T MISS Get Fit
Avoiding eye tests: One in 10 of us aren’t getting our eyes tested regularly, meaning that many eye conditions are being diagnosed too late to be treated effectively. Visit an optician every two years. Out-of-date eye make-up:
Bacteria can build up in makeup, and cause eye infections. Check the period-after-opening (PAO) symbol on each product.
Not eating purple foods: Top nutritionist Emma Thornton says: “Foods known to be good for eye health are often purple or black, such as blackcurrants. Purple carrots are a great pick, full of the key eye health nutrient lutein. Try Biotta Purple Carrot Juice (£4.50, health food stores) or A Vogel Vision Complex.” (£13.99, avogel.co.uk) Shunning sunglasses: Sunlight can increase the risk of developing cataracts and may be linked to age-related macular degeneration. Dr Susan Blakeney, clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists says: “Look for the CE mark and BSI Kitemark, which ensure they have a safe level of UV protection.” Wearing novelty sunnies: Kids love them, but they usually offer little protection against UV damage and the tinted lenses make their pupils dilate.
meaning even more UV light enters the eye. Not checking your eyes
individually: Many conditions appear in one eye first, so check your vision by covering each eye in turn and you’ll be more likely to notice changes.
Lighting up: The toxic chemicals in tobacco can damage your eyes – studies have found smokers are twice as likely to get cataracts. See nhs.uk/ smokefree. Staying indoors: Dr Clare O’Donnell from Optegra Eye Health Care says: “It’s recommended that children have time outside every day as natural daylight may help stimulate the release of chemical
signals from the retina, which may prevent the development of myopia. Preservatives in eye drops:
Some eye drops could make dry-eye symptoms worse by disrupting the tear film and potentially damaging the ocular surface. Look for preservative-free formulas such as Hycosan Fresh (£8.99, Boots). Not knowing your blood pressure: High blood pressure is linked to an increased risk of developing glaucoma and low blood pressure can result in an inadequate supply of blood getting to the optic nerve. Rubbing your eyes:
The spike in eye pressure that rubbing the eyes can cause could disrupt blood flow to the back
of the eye and lead to nerve damage. Using eye whitening drops regularly: “Using these eye drops can mask symptoms of serious eye conditions such as glaucoma,” says Dr Blakeney. “If your eyes are red, find out why.” Showering with your
contacts in: “Water can contain some nasty microbes, including acanthamoeba, which can cause a painful eye infection and permanently damage your eyesight,” says Dr Blakeney.
Not blinking: When we’re staring at screens, we don’t do it enough, which can lead to dry eyes and eye strain. Every 20 minutes, look 20ft away for 20 seconds – and blink 20 times.
Being inactive: A study from the University of California found people who take part in moderate to vigorous activity can cut their risk of developing glaucoma by up to 73%.
Waterproof mascara: Use water-soluble rather than waterproof eye make-up, as the former will dissolve and get washed away if it does get trapped behind contact lenses.
Mowing the lawn: Wear glasses, sunglasses or even safety goggles when mowing or digging – small items flying up at high speed can seriously injure your eyes.
Losing sleep: Not getting enough shuteye can cause dry eye disease – where your eyes don’t make enough tears, meaning they don’t get adequately lubricated. Shop-bought reading glasses: They use the same strength magnification in each lens so won’t be ideal for anyone who has different degrees of vision in each eye. Eyelash extensions:
There’s a risk of suffering an allergic reaction to the glue, which can cause irritation and swelling of the eyelid, plus infections of the cornea due to dirt and bacteria getting trapped in the lashes.