We have heard various tips from time to time on how to protect our eyesight as we grow older but some of us are under the misconception perhaps, that poor eyesight only affects us as we grow older.

It is important to take care of our eyes in your youth to avoid any future issues. If your eyesight is poor, you may need glasses or contact lenses uk.

It is vital to have regular check-ups with our ophthalmologist also. Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma, progress slowly and almost imperceptibly.

In addition, changing some habits and improving our diet can help us have the best possible vision. You should always visit for your eye tests every two years and if you need prescription glasses, be sure that you get the right fit. You should look into prescription sunglasses, prescription safety glasses and blue light glasses.

Although many eye diseases are related to age, you should be aware that you can prevent a lot of these. In addition to glaucoma, there is macular degeneration, cataracts and retinopathy. The latter, in fact, is related to diabetes and its rates are rising rapidly.

Cataracts and glaucoma have also increased in people over 40, so small daily changes can make a big difference and improve wellbeing. Ready to hear more? 

Dry eyes

Good eye hygiene is essential and in order to maintain and perform their function and so it is recommended to clean them with clean tissues, with gentle movements on the eyelids and corners. Eyes ache, irritation and stinging are all symptoms of dry eye.

If they dry out, you can use artificial tears, while in case of coexisting problems, such as blepharitis, you can rinse the eyes with saline and specially sterilized eye wipes. Eye drops are particularly helpful but it’s always best to ask a pharmacist what they recommend. 

Another tip: Warm compresses with water or chamomile can also relieve symptoms. The eyes usually dry from their tears more often when the weather is dry, hot, windy or in cases where there are fans or air conditioners in the workplace and at home, but also when we are intensively engaged in close work such as painstaking reading or using screens frequently. 

Irritated and tired eyes

If you find your ears get tired and irritated easily, it is most likely due to screen time or improper sleep. Now that is not always achievable, to have eight hours of sleep every night; poor sleep affects millions of us every night so there are ways to ease the problems for your eyes, at least.

It is good to avoid intense cleansing of the tears and to rinse the eyes gently with plenty of water. In cases where there is over-moisturizing, redness and sticking of the eye, conjunctivitis may be a cause and you should visit an ophthalmologist. 

Particular attention should be paid to the elderly or to patients with various chronic diseases, where they may experience dry eyes, either due to their diseases, or because they are receiving medication that has the effect of dry eyes.

Sometimes even diabetes can affect the eyes so it is always best to be in the know about such things. In order to control and reduce the factors that cause dryness, you should increase the humidity at home or at work, reducing the dryness of the atmosphere from the central heating. Avoid driving with the car radiator on, especially if it is pointed at the face. 

Stop rubbing your eyes! Although rubbing your eyes is a natural habit, you should try to change it. If they feel itchy or you want to rub your eye or even adjust your glasses, be sure to always use a tissue instead of your fingers. If you have to touch your eyes for any reason, first wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and then be sure to wash them again.

Allergies affecting the eyes 

The use of cosmetics can cause irritation within the eye. It is recommended the proper and correct use of safe cosmetics on the eye, in the right places and to avoid putting eyeliner and mascara near or in the eye because this can have a negative impact.

Excessive use of makeup can cause allergic reactions on the skin, but also on the surface of the bulb, clog the tear glands and cause irritation, pain and possible infection. Always remove all make-up properly after you have used your mascara etc. 

It is not only makeup that may cause this, though. Moisturisers, eye creams, even washing powder can all irritate the eye. When there are allergic reactions in the eyes, they usually have a specific look to them, such as a swelling around the eyelids. If this is coupled with a runny nose, shortness of breath or skin irritation, it may be an allergic reaction or hayfever. 

You should look into an antihistamine and ask your doctor for recommendations. 

Wearing the best glasses possible

The use of contact lenses and glasses can irritate the eyes but they are often needed to help us live our daily lives. When choosing glasses, special attention should be paid to the appropriate choice of lenses as well as the choice of frame which can help you even further. If you want to wear sunglasses, it is necessary to choose glasses of high absorbency for protection from ultraviolet radiation and dark colors.

It is really damaging to the eyes to look at the sun directly as it can cause a serious risk of retinal burns. Unfortunately, this is not a fully preventative treatment and as you age, your eye health may still deteriorate, leading to you needing a lens replacement. Although this sounds scary, it will be for the best as you won't need to wear glasses anymore. To delay it as long as possible, do not buy eyeglasses or sunglasses from questionable quality materials, from street sellers, or anywhere that is not a reputable shop for buying glasses.

Natural remedies 

There are some herbal remedies that are easy to make and can easily drive away redness and the irritation.  

• Chamomile: Put 4 gr. chamomile in a glass of hot water. After straining, bathe your eyes gently. 
• Lemon: One to two drops of lemon will clean the inner eyes but must be used only with warm water to take away the pungency of the lemon.  
• Rosemary: rosemary water and rosemary tea can really make your eyesight improve and strengthen the eyes. 
• Carrot and lettuce juice can help stimulate good eyesight.

Omega-3 fatty acids

The omega three fatty acids not only make good health of the heart, but it is necessary for your eyes. In particular, low levels of DHA and EPA fatty acids are associated with vision problems, such as age-related macular degeneration. Omega three fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatory, which also fight dry eyes. You will find them in flaxseed, linseed oil, halibut, salmon, sardines, tuna and walnuts. 

Vitamin A

It works as a protector for the eyes, like lutein and zeaxanthin, as it fights the oxidative stress that is responsible for damage to the eyes. You will find them in the following foods: Apricots, melons, carrots, mangoes, red peppers, ricotta cheese, spinach, sweet potatoes. 

Vitamin C

Research has shown that daily consumption of foods rich in vitamin C reduces the risk of developing cataracts. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body's cells from damage. Foods that contain vitamin C: grapefruit, kiwi, oranges, strawberries.

Cut out the cigarettes 

Smoking threatens eye health, as it increases the risk of cataracts (it is three times higher in those who smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day), age-related macular degeneration (the risk is 3-5 times higher in smokers than non-smokers), and uveitis. Uveitis is a serious inflammation in the middle of the eye (the cornea) and can lead to complete blindness because it can have serious complications (eg retinal detachment). In fact, smoking is indirectly related to it. 

Exercise regularly is going to also be very beneficial. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), frequent exercise such as walking can reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration by up to 70%.