Top 5 Eye Health Tips - To Help Maintain Vision

1. Have regular eye test
   Regular eye tests are recommended for everyone - not just those who notice blurry vision. Regular eye testing can help in the early detection of eye diseases like glaucoma which often do not present with symptoms until the later stages. Regular eye testing is also particularly important in young children as they may not communicate symptoms of blurry vision as early as adults and their developing eyes can quickly deteriorate if problems are not addressed early. At Northbridge Optical, we recommend an eye test every 12 months for everyone to maintain eye health. To book a bulk billed eye test, call us on (02) 8350 2910. 
   

2. Eat Well
   Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables is important in maintaining eye health. A well balanced diet can help reduce the risk of developing dry eyes,  macular degeneration and diabetes. A diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the symptoms of dry eye and are an integral part in supplements for macular degeneration. If you have diabetes, it is recommended to have a dilated eye examination every 12 months. The dilated eye examination involves having eye drops instilled to dilate your pupils allowing our optometrists to examine further in the periphery of your retina. Long term poorly controlled diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy with early signs and symptoms often missed.
   

3. Quit Smoking
   Smoking increases the risk of cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Smoking can also exacerbate dry eyes.

4. Wear protective eyewear - sunglasses and safety glasses
   Sunglasses are important in protecting your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Excessive UV exposure can lead to early development of cataracts and macular degeneration. Our team of optical dispensers can help you pick the perfect pair of sunglasses to maximise protection from UVA and UVB rays with a large selection of polarised and non-polarised lens options. Safety eyewear is vital in protecting your eyes from exposure to hazardous materials. At Northbridge Optical, we carry a large range of safety glasses, sports eyewear and protective goggles specifically designed for a range of hazards.

5. Reduce screen time
   Excessive use of screens can cause dry eyes, eyestrain, blurry vision and poor focussing. Uncorrected vision can further exacerbate these symptoms. To protect your eyes we recommend frequent breaks from screens with a 20 second break every 20 minutes focussing on objects at least 20 feet away (or 6 metres) and blue light filter lenses to block harmful blue light exposure from screens. As part of our comprehensive eye examination, our optometrists can test your vision as well as offer helpful tips to maintain eye health. 

References:

https://www.raisingchildren.net.au

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/home-eye-test-children-adults