In this digital age, eye health is often overlooked. Many of us spend hours daily on some form of screen, whether on our mobiles for socialising or on laptops and computers for work and entertainment. Fortunately, eye concerns and conditions can be mitigated by early detection.
A national eye health survey from 2023 aimed to gauge eye health awareness in the UK. Findings indicated that Norwich, Plymouth, and Liverpool residents are most likely to have regular eye tests. The survey also showed that more than half of respondents (52%) had regular eye exams. Eye exams are crucial for identifying undetected diseases like glaucoma and other health issues.
In the same year, researchers from the University of Liverpool and Manchester Metropolitan University studied the potential use of artificial intelligence in detecting major complications of diabetes through standardised eye screening tools. The researchers worked on modifying and tweaking equipment used by high street optometrists to detect diabetic peripheral neuropathy to improve its efficiency and accuracy as screening tools.
The team of researchers were given £1.4 million to develop and work on the machine. The reworked machine would scan nerves from the front of the eye rather than the back, which is how optometrists traditionally used them. The AI would then be used to predict future damage. The use of AI could also potentially save clinicians time and reduce costs for the National Health Service (NHS).
The importance of eye tests
Regular eye tests are key to maintaining and staying updated with your prescription and eye health. The NHS recommends that adults over 16 get their eyes tested every two years. However, this timeframe differs depending on your current eye health. When in doubt, your optician should be able to recommend the best timeframe for how often is best for you. Booking an appointment is also essential if you’re experiencing recent eye or vision changes.
Aside from detecting vision and eye issues, regular eye tests can also help detect signs of underlying health problems you may not know. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, some brain tumours, and multiple sclerosis.
Other ways to take care of eye health
Aside from routine eye tests, certain lifestyle changes can also help you maintain good eye health. Based on your eye test results and lifestyle, your eye doctor can also recommend essential eyewear. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, for example, getting good quality prescription sunglasses can help balance between sun protection and vision correction. Today, many eyewear brands and manufacturers, from Ray-Ban to Gucci and Prada, offer prescription upgrades for their sunglasses and various designs to cater to your needs and preferences.
In a previous post, we also discussed the importance of recognising stress, which can lead to chronic pain, headaches, and migraines, as well as mental health concerns such as anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. This is because stress and eye health are significantly interlinked. In addition to the health issues mentioned, studies have also found that stress and anxiety can cause eye problems, from blurriness to light sensitivity and even vision loss.
Similarly, taking care of your body can also help maintain good eye condition and balance out your daily digital screen time. This includes making healthier dietary choices, such as including more carrots in your daily meals for additional vitamin A or other vegetables like broccoli and brussels sprouts for added vitamins A, C, and E to protect your eyes from free radicals that can cause cataracts or inflammation. Physical exercise has also been found to help maintain eye health, as the eyes contain important muscles that need working out the way other muscles in your body do. Routine exercise can also help alleviate eye pressure, reducing pain and discomfort in the long term.
Finally, there are also exercises for the eyes and eye muscles. In recent years, eye yoga has been making headlines for being a favourite workout of former Beatle Paul McCartney. Eye yoga isn’t as physically demanding as other body workouts. It can be done in just a few minutes daily, helping strengthen important eye muscles to slow deterioration and degeneration over time. Some eye yoga exercises include palming, blinking, and zooming to get your eye muscles moving and relaxed instead of straining.
