Protect Your Eyes

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Looking after your eyes is just as important as looking after the rest of your body. Good eye health can help prevent avoidable sight loss and keep your vision at its best for longer.

Top tips for healthy eyes

Have regular eye tests

Everyone should have an eye test every two years, or more often if recommended by an optician.
Eye tests can detect problems early, sometimes before you notice any changes in your vision.

Eat for your eyes

A healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables supports good eye health.
Foods rich in omega-3, like oily fish, and vitamins A, C, and E can be especially helpful.

Protect your eyes from the sun

Wear sunglasses with UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
UV light can damage your eyes over time, even on cloudy days.

Take Screen Breaks

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Adjust screen brightness and make sure you have good lighting when using digital devices.

Stay active and healthy

Regular exercise improves blood circulation, which is good for your eyes.
Managing health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can help protect your vision.

Avoid smoking

Smoking increases the risk of eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
If you smoke, seek support to quit.

Eye health for children

Children’s eyesight develops from birth, so regular checks are important. Eye tests for children are free on the NHS and can be carried out even before they can read.

For schools and early years settings, take a look at our Active EYES and Primary School Eye Health Programme on the Children and Young People website.