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.
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, 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.
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.
Common questions
- 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.