Let the eyes have it in 2023

With the New Year here we often exclaim ‘New Year, New Me!’ but in our rush to hit the gym, don’t forget the eyes too. But "Why?" I hear you say, well read on...

Our eyes are one of the most fascinating and complex parts of the body, only the brain is more complex. They are each around 25mm across, weigh just 8 grams and have gradually evolved over hundreds of millions of years to be able to: 

• scan, focusing on 50 different objects every second
• distinguish approximately 10 million different colours
• detect a candle flame, in the right conditions, over 10 miles away
• blink, on average, 12 times a minute (did you just blink?)
• have the fastest contracting muscle in the body, contracting in less than 1/100 of a second (hence, the phrase “In the blink of an eye”)

These are just a few of the amazing things our eyes can do. If this is not reason enough to look after them, consider that 80 percent of all learning comes through the eyes. Caring for your eyes is easy with these few simple steps. 

1. Eat well 
   A healthy, balanced diet is vital for overall health as well as eye health. To optimise eye healthy ingredients opt for: green leafy vegetables; oily fish like salmon and mackerel; eggs, nuts, beans and other nonmeat protein sources; orange or yellow fruits. vegetables and salad items. Vitamin supplements can be an easy way to top up on these key ingredients too. A well-balanced diet also helps you stay at a healthy weight. That lowers your odds of obesity and related diseases like type 2 diabetes, which is the leading cause of vision loss in adults.
   
   
2. Stop smoking 
   If you smoke, stop. This is one of the most important things you can do for your eyes. Certain conditions that cause permanent vision loss, like macular degeneration, are thought to be 4-5 times more common in smokers. If you have tried to stop before and struggled, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist some of the latest smoking cessation aids. 
   
   
3. Wear sunglasses 
   UVA and UVB rays in sunlight can harm your eyes and may increase the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Wearing sunglasses, glasses or contact lenses with a built in UV filter will protect your eyes. Also, a broad brimmed hat can help reduce excess exposure. 
   
   
4. Protect your eyes 
   DIY, certain sports, even excess computer and phone use can all put the eyes at risk. So wear appropriate safety glasses when performing DIY and if possible for sports like squash. When working on a computer take regular breaks to rest your eyes. Avoid using your phone late at night and/or incorporate a blue light filter. If your eyes get dry or sore use an eye drop to help moisturise them.
   
   
5. Regular eye examinations
   An eye examination is a vital check on the health of the eyes and includes the detection of eye conditions. Many of these, if found early, can be treated successfully, avoiding potential sight loss. So visit your optometrist regularly, at least every two years.

And remember that whatever you need, our 'site' for sore eyes® is always here to help ensure you have the right solution to help you maintain healthy eyes.

Expert advice

"As an optometrist with a family history of macular degeneration, I am keen to source the widest range of products for eye health, dry eyes and blepharitis”

James Sutton (MCOptom)
Founder of Butterflies Eyecare