It is important we look after our eye health. This is from childhood to older adults.
Children
There are also possible links with short sightedness (myopia) through spending too much time focusing on nearby objects such as screens and less time being outside. Children may have trouble focusing on objects that are further away.
Adults
You may notice that reading small print may start to become harder as your eyes struggle to focus on nearby objects. It’s a natural part of ageing as the lens in your eye gets harder and less flexible, it’s called presbyopia and it usually becomes noticeable in your early to mid-40s.
Older adults
As we get older reading small print is difficult, we sometimes have difficulty distinguishing colours for example dark blue and black. We may also need more light.
So, make things Bigger, Bolder and Brighter
- Bigger – Use larger screens, increase font size, use a felt pen with a thicker nib, use a magnifier.
- Bolder – Introduce contrasting colours to be able to see easier, a white cup and saucer on a white background will be harder to see than on a blue, red or dark background.
- Brighter – Use daylight, let the light in at home, and use a daylight reading lamp
Self-help
Look after your eyes – we use our eyes all the time to do everything. Try and prevent eye conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and others
- Lead a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, exercise, alcohol intake, smoking can also cause changes in the eyes that could lead to vision loss
- Avoid accidents by wearing protective and safety glasses when doing DIY or gardening
- Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses with full UV protection
- Everyone should have their eyes tested at least once every two years, or more often if advised to do so. Eye tests are not all about new glasses, they can detect early signs of eye conditions and other potential health issues. Early detection increases your chance of successful treatment
- Screen time – your eyes can become tired when you look at a screen for long periods of time. Taking breaks can help to avoid tired eyes and headaches. The 20, 20, 20 rule suggests taking a break of at least 20 seconds, every 20 minutes and to look at least 20 feet away
Did you know that some latest research has shown that having your eyes tested regularly to correct any vision loss and/or having a low vision assessment to help make best use of your remaining sight, addresses one of the risk factors that may help to delay or lower the risk of dementia developing.
Community Urgent Eyecare Service
The Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) provides urgent assessment, treatment or referral for sudden eye problems such as flashes, floaters, vision loss or minor eye injuries.
This is an NHS service provided by accredited optometrists (opticians).
You need to be registered with a local GP in an area where the service is available. It is for people of all ages and you do not need a GP referral. Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) (primaryeyecare.co.uk)
Further information
- Eye conditions – even with an eye condition it is advisable to protect the sight you have by looking after your eyes, as above.
- Hallucinations – some people with eye conditions see things that aren’t there. When you lose your sight, your brain gets less information from your eyes than it’s used to. There is a condition called Charles Bonnet Syndrome where your brain sometimes makes up for receiving less information by creating hallucinations.
- Registration – if you have an eye condition your level of sight may meet the criteria to be registered with sight loss, either sight impaired (SI) or severely sight impaired (SSI) that may entitle you to certain benefits and concessions. A certificate of visual impairment (CVI) is completed at hospital, this is called certification and with your authorization, sent to your local authority for actual registration.
- Your local authority sensory team will be able to help you with low vision equipment, help in the home and with mobility. You may be entitled to a low vision assessment (LVA) at hospital where low vision equipment (such as optical magnifies) is dispensed. Speak to your consultant, hospital eye clinic liaison officer (ECLO) or local authority sensory team.
Help and support
There are national and local organisations who offer help and support.
Local sight loss charity Beacon will be able to offer advice and have a range of services and low vision equipment.
Call 01902 880111 email enquiries@beaconvision.org