Eyes are our windows to the world, and without them we would not be able to appreciate the world around us to such an extent, or to perform certain tasks unaided. It is sometimes strange to think that many of us take our eyes for granted, often until some sort of problem has arisen that needs specific attention. You can help to keep your eyes healthy, and spot potential problems earlier if you attend eye examinations at regular intervals. For those who live in the area, visiting your local optician can help you to keep an eye on your sight!

Some feel that eye tests are only necessary if they have begun to experience issues such as eyestrain, blurred vision or eye discharge. It is certainly sensible to contact your Northampton optician as soon as possible in these cases; though if you feel you are experiencing an emergency eye problem or injury you should visit the A&E department at your local hospital. It is also important not to underestimate the importance of routine checkups; it is advised that adults have an eye exam at least every two years, even if their eyesight appears unchanged. Not only can this identify specific ocular difficulties at an early stage, such as short sightedness, long sightedness or astigmatism, but it can also prove a good way of recognising some other, more general health issues which have been developing without symptoms. Those with conditions such as diabetes should be sure to inform their optician so that they can be given extra tests, such as retinal photography, digital imaging, dilating eye drops or field of vision analysis.

Some fear that going to their Northampton Optician and discovering they need glasses or contact lenses will be expensive, but you should remember that not all frames and lenses need be expensive. Many people are eligible to receive free eye tests on the NHS and some will even qualify for contributions from Social Services. Children under the age of 16 years (or under the age of 19 years if still in full time education) will receive free eye tests, but they are by no means the only ones. Those over 60 years of age, people with diabetes or glaucoma (or with close relatives with glaucoma) and those who receive income support, income based jobseekers allowance, pension credit or family credit are just some others who may have an entitlement. If you are in any doubt, just ask your Northamptonshire optician, who will be able to advise you of your entitlements.

Looking after your eyes at home is also important, taking safety precautions as wearing goggles when performing tasks such as DIY, or in the workplace if advised to do so. Making sure that you are very careful to prevent any potentially harmful substances from coming into contact with eyes is also important. Always rinse or wash your hands thoroughly after handling things such as cleaning products or food – if you do not, you may unwittingly rub your eyes and contaminate them.

It is now considered important for the health of your eyes to always use sunglasses on bright days which are certified to protect your eyes against invisible ultra-violet light. It is even more important for babies and children to use good quality sunglasses as young eyes are even more vulnerable to damage from sunlight. Bear in mind that a hat or cap with a large brim can reduce harmful glare but 50% and is especially essential for babies.
Make sure your family all understand the importance of keeping eyes healthy, and don’t forget that regular eye examinations will minimise any risk!

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