HEALTH + WELLNESS
6 SIMPLE WAYS TO BOOST Eye Health CONT .
Practice good hygiene
There are a number of common eye infections that can be easily treated , but it ’ s also advisable to try and avoid them with some simple precautions .
Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition where the conjunctiva becomes inflamed as a reaction to outside influences , causing it to become sore or irritated .
There are three main types of conjunctivitis : Infective – This happens as a result of an infection caused by a virus or bacteria . Allergic – This is due to exposure to an allergen , such as pollen . Irritant – This may occur when an irritant substance enters the eye .
Most types of conjunctivitis tend to clear up within one or two weeks , often without needing any medical treatment . If treatment is needed , eye drops or antibiotics will normally be advised depending on what type of conjunctivitis you have .
There are some simple precautions you can take in order to minimise the likelihood of catching common eye infections . Avoid rubbing your eyes and ensure you wash your hands frequently . Also keep your towels and bed linen clean and fresh . Allergy sufferers should have antihistamines at hand to help prevent symptoms .
Avoid and alleviate allergens
Itchy eyes occur due to irritation from pollen or another allergen landing on or near your eye . Once your eyes are itchy , they tend to become red due to an inflammatory response trying to fight off the irritant . Redness can also occur from rubbing your eyes , which will only increase the irritation . You may also experience watery eyes – this is the body ’ s way of trying to flush out the irritant , by producing excess tears .
One of the best ways to keep on top of allergies is to wash your bedding , pillows , duvets , towels , clothes , etc . regularly – especially during the summer months . You should also wash your face and hair at the end of the day too and save your pyjamas for when you go to bed . This will avoid them picking up any particles which could affect your eyes whilst you sleep .
Wear glasses and / or prescription sunglasses as opposed to contact lenses on the days when the pollen count is particularly high . Wraparound sunglasses can also provide additional protection , to help keep allergens away from your eyes .
A cold compress will provide some welcome relief for eyes that are itchy and irritated . It will also help to reduce swelling .
Take a vision test
Stress , excessive screen time , poor diet and missed eye appointments can all impact on eye health , so we ’ re urging people to consider changes that can be made to your lifestyle to support better eye health and to speak to your optician if you have any concerns whatsoever , and make sure that keep up to date with your eye examinations .
Regular eye appointments are not just about keeping our eyesight in check . Our eyes can provide an early warning to a number of other health issues such as diabetes , high blood pressure , high cholesterol and even brain tumours .
Maintaining regular eye examinations with your local optician is the best and most straightforward way to look after your eye health and vision . It is recommended you visit an optician every two years , unless you have a more complicated eye health history ( your optician will recommend how regularly you should be seen ).
Dr . Andy Hepworth is an optical expert at Essilor , the UK ’ s leading corrective optical lens manufacturer . For more advice visit www . essilor . co . uk .
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