Mr Kumar promotes top 10 tips for healthy eyes
Wednesday 29 November 2017
Mr Kumar is a Consultant Ophthalmologist at Blakelands Hospital in Milton Keynes. Looking after our eyes is important, take a look at Mr Kumar’s top 10 tips for healthy eyes:
1. Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
You might think your vision is fine or that your eyes are healthy, but visiting your eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to really be sure. When it comes to common vision problems, some people don’t realise they could see better with glasses or contact lenses. In addition, many common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration often have no warning signs. A dilated eye exam is the only way to detect these diseases in their early stages.
2. Know your family’s eye health history.
Talk to your family members about their eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with a disease or condition since many are hereditary (e.g. glaucoma). This will help to determine if you are at higher risk for developing an eye disease or condition.
3. Eat right to protect your sight.
Eating carrots rich in Carotene and Vitamin A are good for your eyes, as is eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach, and kale. Research has also shown there are eye health benefits from eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna.
4. Maintain a healthy weight.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions which can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma.
5. Wear protective eyewear.
Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home. Protective eyewear includes safety glasses and goggles, safety shields, and eye guards specially designed to provide the correct protection for a certain activity.
6. Quit smoking or never start.
Smoking is 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 optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.
7. Be cool and wear your shades.
Sunglasses are a great fashion accessory, but their most important job is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
8. Give your eyes a rest.
If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing on any one thing, you sometimes forget to blink and your eyes can get fatigued. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eyestrain.
9. Clean your hands and your contact lenses properly.
To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Make sure to disinfect contact lenses as instructed and replace them as appropriate.
10. Practice workplace eye safety.
Employers are required to provide a safe work environment. When protective eyewear is required as a part of your job, make a habit of wearing the appropriate type at all times and encourage your colleagues to do the same.
Blakelands Hospital offers a wide range of eye treatments. Click here to read more.
If you need to see an Ophthalmologist, ask to be referred to Blakelands Hospital. Mr Kumar is available to see NHS and Private Patients, both self-paying and medically insured.
If you are a Private Patient, call 01908 049 665 to enquire about pricing and appointments.