Even young adults should have eye tests at least every two years as some conditions don’t reveal early symptoms.
“Myopia – short sight – and hypermetropia – long sight – are among visual changes which can affect young adults,” warns optometrist Vicky O’Connor of Boots Opticians. “Regular eye checks help early diagnosis and treatment.”
Consultant ophthalmic surgeon Allon Barsam, who wrote Moorfields Eye Hospital’s sport protection guidelines, says: “With advanced myopia, retinal detachment is a risk if extreme sports are practised.” He says glasses or contact lenses should only be worn for sport if prescribed and they should be cleansed thoroughly to prevent infection.
Life fellow of the College of Optometrists Norbert Cohn stresses that hands should be washed before touching eyes.
Maintaining a healthy weight is good for eye health as obesity, including middle-age spread, increases age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract risk. As Mr Barsam says: “Overweight people are at greater risk of diabetes and associated eye problems, such as diabetic retinopathy, the UK’s leading cause of blindness among working-age people. Annual retinal screening can halt sight loss.”
The effects of computer screen fatigue, including itchy, dry eyes, are common in the young to middle-aged. Regular breaks can combat this. Francesca Marchetti, National Eye Health Week chairwoman, advises: “Look away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds and focus 20 feet away.”
The effects of computer screen fatigue, including itchy, dry eyes, are common in the young to middle-aged
Overall, the UK’s most common cause of blindness is AMD which results in the deterioration of central vision in later life. Although there is no cure, there are protective steps.
But beware, smoking more than doubles the risk of AMD, and there is as strong a link between smoking and AMD as between smoking and lung cancer.
Research suggests UV rays from sunlight also contribute to increased AMD as well as cataract risk. Ms O’Connor emphasises the importance of well-fitting eyewear offering adequate UV protection. And according to Ms Marchetti: “The World Health Organization says 80 per cent of a lifetime’s UV is absorbed into the eyes by the age of 18.”
AREDS, the age-related eye disease study, demonstrates the role of nutrition in eye health. It suggests that Omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins C and E protect against age-related eye conditions. Vision friendly foods include oily fish, and green, leafy and brightly coloured fruit and vegetables, which contain the anti-oxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin.
Many in their 40s are prescribed reading glasses, because deciphering small print becomes uncomfortable as eye lenses harden with age, a condition known as presbyopia.
Surgeon Mr Barsam says: “A nutritious diet, not smoking and avoiding UV rays can help safeguard eyes.”
Common in ageing, cataracts occur when eye lenses cloud over. He adds: “About 400,000 cataract operations are performed annually in the UK, with excellent results.”
Ageing can also manifest glaucoma, which can cause blindness if untreated. Peripheral vision is gradually eroded due to pressure within the eye ball, with no symptoms until it’s too late.
