Top tips for better eyesight

As a new early detection glaucoma test hits the high street, Lizzy Dening shares some expert advice on how to keep your vision stronger for longer

Whether you had perfect vision as a youngster, or glasses that resembled the bottom of milk bottles, as we get older the playing field starts to level out when it comes to our eye health. “Age-related changes in the eyes can start to become more apparent after 40,“says Mr Badrul Hussain, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital.

“For example, you might start to see signs of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), especially if there is a family history, as well as issues related to underlying health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure and cataract formation.”

But the good news is that science is constantly evolving, with newer, cheaper tests highlighting potential issues faster – which could help protect

‘Glaucoma tends not to have symptoms until it has progressed quite far’

your vision for years to come. Now, with a new, in-depth test available in some opticians that can pick up glaucoma much earlier than was previously possible, it’s a great time to explore how to keep our eyes in tip-top health.

What exactly is this new eye test (and how do I get one)?

Optical coherence tomography (OCT to you and me) is a test that was previously only available in hospital eye departments but is now available in many community opticians.

Specsavers hopes to install OCT in every branch within the next year or so (it’s currently available in around 700 of their stores).

“Unlike traditional methods, OCT enables an optometrist to view the layers of the retina beneath the surface layer,” says Dr Nigel Best, Optometrist at Specsavers.

“In one study it was shown to be able to detect glaucoma up to four years earlier than traditional methods, which means the condition can be treated earlier, hopefully resulting in better outcomes.”

In addition to Specsavers OCT is available in some Vision Express and Boots stores.

The test comes at a small additional cost to a standard eye test, but your optometrist may recommend it based on any symptoms or a family history. Plus, you can always request that it’s carried out following your eye test if anything indicates that further investigation would be beneficial.

“Glaucoma is, for the vast majority of people, an age-related condition. It’s found in roughly two per cent of over-40s and up to ten per cent in people over 80,” says Dr Nigel. Glaucoma tends not to have symptoms until it has progressed quite far, which is why the new OCT test is particularly welcome. It’s painless, non-invasive and gives instant results – so you can either request a hospital referral, or find out straightaway if there is an issue.