--- title: "Eye health: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers" description: "How to look after your eyes — regular eye tests, protecting your sight, and spotting problems early, reviewed by a consultant eye surgeon." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/eye-health/ robots: noindex --- # Eye health: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers Health A–Z How to look after your eyes — regular eye tests, protecting your sight, and spotting problems early, reviewed by a consultant eye surgeon. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin MBChB, FRCOphth](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/mohamed-mohyudin/) · GMC 7039600 Reviewed 10 June 2026 ## Quick answer What is eye health? Looking after your eyes means having regular sight tests, protecting your eyes from the sun and injury, eating well, not smoking, and getting any sudden change in your vision checked quickly. Many eye conditions can be treated or slowed if they are found early, so a routine eye test every two years is one of the most useful things you can do for your sight. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Eye health, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 6 sections ## Key facts about eye health - Most adults should have an eye test at least every 2 years. - Many serious eye conditions have no early symptoms — tests find them. - Smoking, strong sunlight and uncontrolled diabetes all harm the eyes. - Sudden vision changes, eye pain, or flashes and floaters need urgent checks. ## Why eye health matters Your eyes can change slowly over many years, and some of the most important eye conditions — such as glaucoma — cause no symptoms until sight has already been lost. Looking after your eyes is partly about good habits, and partly about being checked regularly so that problems are found while they can still be treated. ## Have regular eye tests An eye test is more than a check on whether you need glasses. The optometrist also looks at the health of the eye and can pick up early signs of conditions such as [cataracts](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/cataracts/), glaucoma and diabetic eye disease. Most adults should be tested at least every two years. ## Protect your eyes A few simple habits go a long way: - wear sunglasses that block UV light in bright sunshine - use safety glasses for DIY, gardening and sport where there is a risk of injury - take regular breaks from screens and blink often to keep your eyes comfortable - follow the instructions for cleaning and wearing contact lenses ## Look after your general health What is good for your body is good for your eyes. Not smoking, keeping a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and keeping conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure well controlled all help protect your sight. ## Explore eye-health information If you want to read more about eye conditions, symptoms or everyday care before an appointment, [Eye Health Guide](https://eyehealthguide.org/) has a dedicated eye-health library. Note down anything you want your optometrist or eye-care team to explain; general online information cannot assess your own sight. ## Spotting problems early See an optician or GP if your vision becomes blurred, dim or more difficult in low light, or if you notice a turn in one eye. Get **urgent** help for any sudden change in vision, eye pain, flashing lights, new floaters, or an eye injury — these can be signs of a serious problem that needs same-day assessment. ## ! When to see a GP about eye health Have a routine eye test for gradual changes such as blurring or needing more light to read. Seek **urgent** help — call **111** or go to an eye casualty or A&E the same day — if you have sudden loss of vision, sudden eye pain, a dark curtain or shadow across your sight, a sudden shower of new floaters or flashing lights, or any injury to the eye. ## Common questions about eye health How often should I have an eye test? Most adults should have a sight test at least every two years, or more often if your optician advises it. Children, people with diabetes, and anyone with a family history of eye disease may need to be seen more frequently. Are eye tests free on the NHS? Some people qualify for free NHS sight tests, including children, people aged 60 and over, and those on certain benefits or with certain medical conditions. Your optician can tell you if you are eligible. Can screens damage my eyes? Long periods looking at screens do not cause lasting damage, but they can make your eyes feel tired and dry because you blink less. Taking regular breaks and looking into the distance helps. Do vitamins improve eye health? A balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables supports healthy eyes. No supplement replaces the basics of regular eye tests, a healthy diet and not smoking. ## Sources - [NHS — Look after your eyes](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/look-after-your-eyes/) - [NHS — Free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/)