Lifestyle factors that put you at higher risk How to keep your risks lowYou can reduce your risk of eye health problems by following a few simple steps. Firstly, it’s important to attend regular eye examinations. Typically you will be asked to visit an optician every 2 years, or more frequently if you have a history of eye health problems. Your optician will check your sight, but they can also look for small changes in your vision that could indicate a health issue.Knowing the signs and symptoms of common eye conditions can help you recognise when something has changed. If you start to see spots, flashes of light or floaters, or you have frequent headaches, consider booking an appointment with your optician as soon as possible.Above all, you can reduce your risk of eye disease by following a healthy lifestyle and eating a balanced diet, to ensure your body is getting the nutrients and vitamins it needs! How Does age affect your vision? How Does age affect your vision? How does age affect your vision?As you age, your body will naturally change, which might manifest itself in changes to your eye health and vision abilities. Children are typically more at risk of eye conditions such as myopia, which usually develops between 6-12.It’s essential to look out for signs such as eye rubbing, sitting closely to something or complaining of headaches, as this could indicate a vision problem. Similarly, if your child appears to be struggling at school, it could be due to their eyesight and not difficulties in learning.Adults over 50 may also start to become more at risk of eye diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. In most cases, these conditions are a natural by-product of the ageing process, but each can be treated and managed.Stay less at risk of developing eye disease and get a test with your local optician now! Lifestyle factors that put you at higher risk Lifestyle factors that put you at higher risk Lifestyle factors that put you at higher riskThere are some lifestyle choices that will put you at greater risk of developing an eye disease. Smoking is a huge factor and often contributes to eye disease including cataracts and AMD, as well as optic nerve damage.Similarly, spending too much time in the sun without the proper protection could damage your eyes. Overexposure to UV light is a contributing factor to cataracts and could cause photokeratitis. It’s important to wear sunglasses with a good e-SPF rating to protect your eyes. Related articles See more Eyesight by age How to recognise if your child is short-sighted See more Eye conditions & symptoms Are You More at Risk of Eye Disease?
