Today we talk about how to look after your eyes
Did you know that in America February is Low Vision Awareness Month? In the UK many of us make sure we have regular eye examinations, but how many of us think about our long term eye health? It is so easy to overlook your eyes when it comes to caring for your health, however, there are a few simple things you can do every day to help keep your eyes healthy now and in the future. Many eye conditions can lead to reduced vision so here are some easy ways to look after your eyes.
Eat healthily
Eating a healthy, balanced diet reduces our risk of getting some pretty serious eye disease. Try to include plenty of omega-3 fats, these can be found in oily fish. Another nutrient is lutein, this can be found in dark-green, leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach. A green veg and beetroot slaw is perfect. Vitamins A, C and E are also very good in maintaining good eye health. It is advisable to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, particularly if you have a family history of macular degeneration (losing central vision in the eyes).
Avoid dry eyes
In today’s world or air conditioning, electronic devices, long working hours our eyes can become dry, tired and sore. Often we don’t produce enough tears or some of us have poor-quality tears. Air-conditioning, central heating, and computer use can make dry eye symptoms worse. Many adults suffer from dry eyes due to a health condition or medication.
Lubricating eye drops can help soothe the irritation and reduce discomfort. Taking omega-3 supplements can also help over time. Drinking plenty of water and remembering to blink often can also help. But if your eyes are persistently dry, always tell your optometrist.
Take regular breaks
When we work on something up close, such as a computer, a tablet or a smartphone, our eye muscles are very active. This can cause tiredness and even headaches, even for people with perfect vision. In 2020 the 20/20/20 rule is as relevant as ever – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds. Don’t forget to blink, this helps prevent our eyes from drying out.
Did you know that the law states that employers must arrange an eye test for display screen equipment (DSE) users if they ask for one, and provide glasses if an employee needs them only for DSE use?
DSE work does not cause permanent damage to eyes. But long spells of DSE work can lead to:
- tired eyes
- discomfort
- temporary short-sightedness
- Headaches
DSE work is visually demanding, so it can make someone aware of eyesight problems they have not noticed before (including changes in eyesight that happen with age).
Employees can help their eyes by:
- checking the screen is well-positioned and properly adjusted
- making sure lighting conditions are suitable
- taking regular breaks from screen work
STOP SMOKING
Even in this day and age of healthy living, many people are unaware of the link between smoking and eye disease. Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. However long you have smoked it’s never too late to benefit from quitting.
It could be in the genes
Many eye conditions run in families, these can be anything from simple long and short-sightedness to more serious conditions, such as glaucoma. Knowledge of relatives problems with sight can help optometrists detect a condition before it becomes serious. They can assess the problem and, if necessary, refer clients to the right place for treatment.
Make time to have regular eye examinations
At Allegro Optical it’s not just a sight test, it’s an eye health check too. An in-depth eye examination can detect signs of underlying general health conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. We all should have an eye examination every two years, or more often if your optometrist recommends it.
Did you know we’re the only Optician in Saddleworth with two qualified Dispensing Opticians & 3 qualified Optometrists who work together to provide award-winning eyecare. Our optometrists can detect Glaucoma, Diabetes, Macular Degeneration, Cataract, and much more. Thanks to our 3D OCT scan they can detect these conditions up to four years earlier than traditional methods. It doesn’t just stop with the eye examination. Our DIspensing Opticians are all qualified professionals and are registered with the General Optical Council. At many optical outlets, glasses are dispensed by unqualified staff or optical assistants. This can lead to serious errors and affect your vision. Always make sure you’re tested & dispensed by qualified professionals.
Award-winning eye-care
In the last twelve months, Allegro Optical has scooped no less than five national and regional awards. These awards include the National ‘Best New Arts & Entertainment Business of the Year‘ at a gala event in London. Managing Director Sheryl Doe was awarded the 2019 ‘Dispensing Optician of the Year‘ and she was a finalist in the AOP Dispensing Optician of the year 2020. Allegro Optical’s cutting edge approach to dispensing and their musical experience has led to the team being shortlisted for the prestigious Opticians Awards, Optical Assistant team of the year 2020
During March 2019, Allegro Optical was awarded the ‘Scale-Up Business of the Year‘ at the regional finals of the Federation of Small Business awards in York, then went on to receive the FSB Chairman’s award at the national finals in May. Finally winning the FBU Yorkshire family business of the year. Allegro Optical’s unique optical solution and our cutting edge approach to dispensing has led to the group being named finalists in the Huddersfield Examiner’s Business Awards in the Innovation and Enterprise category.
The company has been featured in many national publications including The Times, 4BarsRest, The British Bandsman and Music Teacher Magazine.
Are you a musician who is struggling with their vision? Is making music no longer the enjoyable experience it once was? If so call us at either Greenfield on 01457 353100 or Meltham on 01484 907090.
