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Put your eyes first this World Sight Day
They say your eyes are the window to your soul. They certainly reveal much about your health. Yet, one in ten Australians have never had their eyes tested and more than a third of us do not have regular eye tests1.
Thirteen million Australians have one or more chronic eye conditions and 90% of vision loss is preventable or treatable2,3. That’s why OPSM is using World Sight Day in October to encourage Australians to have their eyes tested.
The earlier eye problems are diagnosed, the easier they are to treat, particularly as we age and eye conditions such as macular degeneration and glaucoma become more common.
OPSM recommends having an eye test at least every two years to ensure your eyes remain in top condition. Elizabeth Kodari, optometrist at OPSM says “Some eye conditions may not show any symptoms in the early stages. Regular eye tests help minimise vision loss through early detection”.
To keep your eyes healthy this World Sight Day OPSM shares their top five eyecare tips.
Have regular eye tests: Make regular check-ups part of your routine. It’s important to have an eye test at least once every two years or earlier if recommended by your optometrist.
Slide on UV protection: UV rays can cause irreversible damage to our eyes. They can reflect off surfaces including water, sand and snow and UV damage has been associated with cataracts and conjunctival changes4. It’s important to wear quality sunglasses to help protect your eyes.
Eat well and exercise: Diets rich in antioxidants and omega oils are great for your eyes5. Try snacking on fruit, nuts and eating oily fish or eggs a couple of times a week. Certain eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy can be associated with lack of physical exercise6. Adding a walk to your daily routine maybe beneficial for both your eye and mental health.
Rest your eyes: Working for hours on a computer, tablet or mobile phone can lead to digital eye strain including dry eyes. Elizabeth recommends, “every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break from your screen and focus on a distant object to help your eyes relax and adjust focus”.
Look into your family history: Some eye conditions can be genetic. It’s important to let your optometrist know if you have a family history of eye conditions.
To make an appointment or locate your nearest CBHS Choice Network OPSM optometrist, use our provider finder.
Bulk billed eye tests are available to eligible Medicare cardholders. CBHS members receive 20% off lenses and lens extras^ on top of what they can claim on available Extras limits.
^T&Cs apply, please see instore for details. OPSM recommends that you schedule regular visits with your optometrist based on your eye health needs.
Sources
- Vision 2020 Index Report- Optometry Australia (2020).
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2021. Eye health (2021)
- Preventable vision loss affects millions globally-JAMA 15 (2021).
- Ultraviolet radiation oxidative stress affects eye health- Journal of BioPhotonics 11 (2018).
- Nutrients for the aging eye- Clinical interventions in aging 8 (2013).
- Understanding diabetic retinopathy- Essilor
All information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only. The information provided should not be relied upon as medical advice and does not supersede or replace a consultation with a suitably qualified healthcare professional.