Looking after your vision is essential as you get older, here’s how
Worried about fading eyesight? More than two million people live with vision loss in the UK, but the good news is, there are ways to keep your eyes in great shape. ‘Just like the rest of our body, eyes can become less efficient as we age – the natural lens of the eye becomes less flexible and can’t change its shape as easily, making it more difficult to focus on objects close up and far away,’ says optometrist Dr Nabila Jones from optegra.com. What’s more, squinting and frowning can cause wrinkles. ‘But while we can’t stop this natural ageing process, there are lifestyle changes to “age-proof” our eyes,’ says Dr Jones. Try these tips...
CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
High blood pressure doesn’t just cause heart attacks or strokes, it can impair sight – so get yours checked or use a home monitor. ‘High blood pressure can damage cells in the eyes, causing blurred vision, bleeding and damage to the optic nerve,’ explains Dr Jones. Visit bloodpressureuk.org to understand numbers from a reading – a normal healthy measurement is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.
STAY ACTIVE
Keeping fit benefits our eyes. ‘Lowimpact exercise can reduce eye pressure and helps to relax facial muscles and reduce eye strain,’ says Dr Jones. ‘Although, wear protective eyewear when playing fast racquet sports.’
WEAR QUALITY SUNGLASSES
Everyone wants to look good in sunnies, but fashionwear might not protect your eyes. ‘Wearing sunglasses is extremely important, as eyes are particularly sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light,’ says Dr Jones.
‘These should be a minimum of UV400 and be CE- or UKCA - marked.’
REMOVE MAKE-UP
‘To protect sensitive skin around the eyes and prevent infections, remove eye make-up every night,’ advises Dr Jones. Gently cleanse with micellar water or a similar product.
CHANGE YOUR SPECS
Do your glasses make you look old? Replace the frames for a more youthful style – opticians can help you find ones that suit your face shape. Or ditch them altogether. ‘Laser eye surgery, lens replacement surgery or switching to contact lenses are options to help you see without depending on specs,’ says Dr Jones.
STOP SMOKING
The best thing we can do for our overall health is stop s
