Eye Health Advice

Your eyesight is one of your most important senses, yet eye health is something many people take for granted until a problem develops. At Consett Eyecare, we believe that informed patients make better decisions about their eyes. Here is our practical advice on keeping your eyes healthy throughout life.

Have Regular Eye Examinations

A routine eye test does far more than check whether you need glasses. Our optometrist examines the health of the entire eye — including structures that cannot be seen without specialist equipment — and can detect signs of conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and even systemic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes before you have any symptoms.

• Adults with no known eye conditions — every two years
• Adults over 60 — annually
• Those with diabetes, glaucoma, or a family history of eye disease — annually or as advised
• Children — every year through school age
• Anyone with concerns — as soon as possible, do not wait for your next scheduled test

Protect Your Eyes from UV

Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight is a significant and underappreciated risk to eye health. Long-term UV exposure has been linked to cataracts, macular degeneration, and growths on the surface of the eye (pterygium). Protect yourself by:

• Wearing good-quality sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB — outdoors year-round, not just in summer
• Choosing a wraparound style for better peripheral protection
• Wearing a brimmed hat in strong sun
• Never looking directly at the sun, including during an eclipse

We can glaze your prescription sunglasses or fit photochromic lenses — such as Transitions Gen S — that adapt automatically to changing light conditions.

Diet & Eye Health

What you eat has a direct impact on the long-term health of your eyes. Key nutrients include:

• Lutein & Zeaxanthin — found in leafy greens such as spinach and kale, these protect the macula against age-related damage.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids — found in oily fish such as salmon and mackerel. Support tear film quality and may reduce the risk of dry eye and macular degeneration.
• Vitamin C — found in citrus fruits, peppers, and berries. An antioxidant that may slow cataract development.
• Vitamin E — found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. Another antioxidant protective of eye tissue.
• Zinc — found in meat, shellfish, and legumes. Helps vitamin A produce protective pigment in the eyes.

Smoking & Eye Health

Smoking is one of the most significant preventable risk factors for serious eye disease. Smokers are up to four times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — the leading cause of sight loss in the UK — and are at significantly increased risk of cataracts and optic nerve damage. Stopping smoking at any age brings benefit to your eye health.

Protecting Your Eyes at Work

Eye injuries in the workplace are common and often preventable. Depending on your environment:

• Always wear appropriate safety eyewear when using machinery, power tools, or when there is a risk of flying particles, splashes, or sparks
• Ensure your prescription is included in your safety eyewear if required
• If you work at a computer for long periods, you are entitled to request an eye test funded by your employer under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations

Digital Eye Strain

Spending long hours on screens — computers, tablets, and smartphones — can cause digital eye strain (also known as computer vision syndrome). Symptoms include tired, dry, or irritated eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce strain:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds
• Ensure your screen is at a comfortable distance — roughly arm’s length — and slightly below eye level
• Reduce glare by positioning your screen away from bright windows or using an anti-glare screen cover
• Ask us about occupational lenses or blue light filter coatings designed for screen use
• Blink frequently — screen use reduces blink rate, contributing to dryness

Dry Eye

Dry eye is one of the most common eye complaints we see. It occurs when the tear film does not adequately lubricate the surface of the eye, causing discomfort, grittiness, burning, or intermittent blurred vision. Contributing factors include age, screen use, air conditioning, contact lens wear, certain medications, and hormonal changes. We can assess the severity of your dry eye and recommend appropriate treatment, from artificial tear drops and lid hygiene routines to prescription options for more persistent cases.

Warning Signs — When to Seek Urgent Help

Some eye symptoms require prompt attention. Contact us or seek urgent care if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden loss of vision, even briefly
• A sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light
• A shadow or curtain moving across your vision
• Severe eye pain or redness
• Sudden double vision
• A chemical splash or traumatic injury to the eye

For guidance on urgent eye problems and our Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS), see our Eye Emergency page.

Talk to Us

If you have any concerns about your eye health, or simply want advice on keeping your eyes in the best possible condition, we are always happy to help. Call us on 01207 505 151 or visit our contact page.