Look after your eyes - you only get one pair!
This is good advice to heed. Everyone - young and old - should have regular eye check-ups to detect any problems.
It is natural for eyes to change over the years and sometimes to be affected by various disorders which an optician can quickly and easily detect. It is therefore important that signs of potentially serious conditions are recognised and, if necessary, given immediate medical attention.
COMMON EYE PROBLEMS
- Conjunctivitis - watery bloodshot eyes with a sticky discharge
- Dry eye - bloodshot eyes with a gritty feeling
- Stye - a red lump on the eyelid which may itch or cause slight pain
TREATMENT AT HOME
- Conjunctivitis - bathe with warm water. Eye drops and ointments from your pharmacist can be used
- Dry eye - use lubricating eye drops from your pharmacist, but if the condition persists see your doctor
- Stye - bathe with warm water using a separate piece of cotton wool each time you wipe the eye
MINOR EYE PROBLEMS CAN BE PREVENTED BY
- Avoiding exposure to irritants
- Making sure all family members use separate face flannels and towels
- Having your sight tested every two years
CONTACT LENSES
- Don't use contact lenses if you have an eye infection
- Don't rub irritated and sore eyes
- Follow cleaning instructions carefully
If you fall into one of the following groups, then you may qualify to
receive free NHS tests:
- if you have a low income
- if you or your partner are in receipt of Universal Credit
- if you are under 16 (or under 19 and in full-time education)
- if you are partially sighted or registered blind
- if you are diagnosed diabetic or suffering from glaucoma or you are over 40 and have a sibling or child diagnosed with glaucoma.
Whether or not you qualify for free tests is not the issue. The real question is: do you really want to take unnecessary risks with one the greatest gifts you possess? Your eyes!