Helping You Care About Eye Health
Helping You Care About Eye Health
At First Optic we care deeply about the heath of your eyes.
Your eyes are a very important part of your health. They tell us a lot about your general health, even if they don’t feel any different. That’s why it’s so important to have your eyes tested regularly.
Sight is our most precious sense and so it’s vital we do everything we can to protect it. There are many things you can do to keep your eyes healthy and make sure you're seeing your best.
Eye tests have an important role to play in maintaining good general health, whether you wear glasses or not. There are conditions like as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and diabetes that can often be detected at an early stage. Get in touch today to book your test.
Eye Safety
From air pollution and dust to computer screens and cleaning products, your eyes can be exposed to many things that can make them tired and sore, or even damaged. Being awareness of everyday risks is an important step in maintaining your eye health. Follow these eight simple steps for maintaining healthy eyes well into your golden years.
Protective eyewear
If you're a fan of DIY or spend time in a workshop, always wear protective eye wear. Foreign bodies can very easily damage the eye’s soft tissue, which can lead to long-term sight problems.
If you work in a hazardous environment, make a habit of wearing the appropriate type of eyewear at all times and encourage your co-workers to do the same.
Computer screens
If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing on any one thing, your eyes can get fatigued. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Once every 20 minutes while working at a computer or using a digital device, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eyestrain.
Keep active
Being overweight increases your risk of developing diabetes which can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma. Regular exercise can delay the onset of age-related macular degeneration (the leading cause of permanent vision loss in later life)
Sunlight
Sunglasses are a great fashion accessory, but their most important job is to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays. When buying sunglasses, make sure you look for ones that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
Quit smoking
Smoking is bad and it's as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and sight-threatening eye diseases.
Good diet
A rich diet in fruits, leafy green vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach or kale is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Research also shows there are eye health benefits from eating oily fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna and halibut.
Family history
It's important to know about your family's eye health history, such as if anyone has been diagnosed with a disease or condition, since many are hereditary. This will help you to determine if you're a higher risk of developing an eye condition.
Water
The eye is protected by a fluid that washes away dirt and dust each time we blink. To maintain a healthy balance of fluid in the eye, it's important to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can prevent both your body and your eyes from becoming dehydrated.
Book Your Eye Test Today!
FAQs Abut Eye Care
At First Optic we recommend you have an eye test every two years, but it's best to attend earlier if any eye problems occur or if advised by your optometrist.
Children rarely complain about their eyesight, but they may show signs of being unable to see properly.
Things to look out for include:
- sitting close to the TV
- holding objects very close to their face
- blinking a lot
- eye rubbing
- one eye turning in or out
If you think your child is having any sort of sight problems, make an appointment for further investigation.
Children do not have to be able to read letters to have their eyes examined.
Yes. An eye examination or eye test doesn’t simply test your sight, it also helps to identify other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Even if you're happy with your vision it's worth having a regular check-up. Eyes can be affected by a number of conditions which may be picked up early through a sight test, giving it less chance of affecting your vision.
You’ll sit down with our fully qualified optometrists to discuss the reasons behind your visit. From there we'll check your sight, conduct a comprehensive eye health examination and discuss whether or not you need glasses as well as any other recommendations. You can learn more about our eye tests by clicking here.
19 Bethel Square, Brecon LD3 7JP