National Eye Health Day - Friday 17th March 2006

Once we reach the age of 50, 100 per cent of Britons will have some sort of age related problem associated with their eye sight.

Whether it's hereditary, or a sign of getting older, eye deterioration is a very real threat for a nation that holds a growing number of baby boomers.

A Call To Action. As part of National Eye Health Day, Focus Reading Vision Clinic's lead specialist and eye surgeon Dr David Allamby, is calling on all Britons to be aware of the warning signs, to ensure they don't put their vision at risk.

"We are currently experiencing a unique phenomenon in population trends with the oldest baby boomers this year celebrating their 60th birthday, meaning a significant increase in people who cannot see well up close.

One of the biggest problems affecting people today is age-related presbyopia, with more than 20 million people in the UK now having this condition. Most of the people don't even know that treatment is available," he said.

Apart from this, some of the most common age related eye conditions that can lead to sight deterioration in older people include glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetes.

The secret to healthy eyes is in early detection.
Ten tips to keep your eyes in good health:

1. Get regular check ups with your ophthalmologist or optometrist and know how to ask the right questions
2. If your condition is serious, seek the advice of a registered and reputable eye specialist
3. Make sure your specialist dilates your pupils to check the back of your eye for any abnormalities
4. Stop smoking. Not only can smoking can cause blindness, but it makes you physically age quicker!
5. Prevent against eye deterioration and UV sun damage by wearing sunglasses and a broad rimmed hat
6. Always wear appropriate safety glasses to protect your eyes, especially when you are outdoors or on a building site when drilling or grinding
7. Maintain a balanced diet and eat foods such as leafy green vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, which are believed to improve vision and general eye health
8. Practice good eye health hygiene if you wear contact lenses to minimise bacterial infection
9. Participate in regular exercise. Exercise increases the heart rate and boosts blood circulation which is essential for maintaining a healthy eye structure, especially the optic nerve
10. Incorporate flaxseed oil into your diet, because it's good for treating dry eyes, caused by factors such as living in an arid climate.

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