Looking after your eyes

1 Avoid injury. If your work or sporting activity involves potential injury to your eyes, take eye protection seriously and wear protective glasses or goggles (as pictured above).

2 Wear sunglasses when you are outdoors to give you protection against damage to your eyes caused by ultraviolet radiation from sun and reflected glare.

3 Don’t smoke. Smoking increases the risk of many eye diseases, such as ARMD.

4 Check your blood pressure and make lifestyle changes or take prescribed medication to keep your blood pressure in the normal range.

5 Have eye checks regularly as part of your general health checks, especially as you get older and if you have conditions such as glaucoma or diabetes in the family. You can see an optometrist for eye checks. If you have existing eye disease or you are at high risk, you should see an ophthalmologist (a medical eye specialist). You can make an appointment with an optometrist directly, or your GP can refer you to an ophthalmologist.