We have listed below key day-to-day measures you can take to keep your eyes as healthy as possible.

Most adults don't get their eyes regularly examined unless they know or begin to feel there is a problem with their vision. For many the first visit to the opticians is a result of the realisation that the problems - with close work and being over 40, is getting to the stage where something needs to be done. However a visit to see the optometrist (the optician who examines your eyes) not only checks your vision and measures the power of the glasses or contact lenses you might require; you also get a thorough internal examination of the eye that can reveal not only the state of your eyes health (Glaucoma, cataract, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), etc.) but as many other health problems cause changes in the internal eye, many general health problems such as diabetes, hypertension etc. can be spotted long before physical symptoms become apparent. It is therefore advisable for all adults to get their eyes checked every few years as part of a preventative approach.

As with all aspects of health a balanced diet including at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables forms the basis of good ocular (eye) health. Oily fish are also known to be beneficial eye health.

As well as the well-known general health problems caused by smoking, it is also proven to increase the risk of sight-threatening conditions such as ARMD by 50%.

Keeping the body hydrated is well documented in helping maintain good health and concentration levels. Additionally it should be no surprise that good hydration levels will help reduce the symptoms of dry eyes.

Modern lifestyles often mean that despite the best of intentions, it is not always possible to maintain a balanced diet and then certain supplements can be beneficial to ocular as well as general health. Studies have shown that certain formulations of vitamins and minerals including such things as zinc and lutein can help prevent the onset and/or progression of ARMD. Additionally the use of high quality fish oils/omega 3 has been shown to reduce the symptoms of dryness of the eye.