Eyes are extremely important for overall quality of life. We use sight to it to navigate life, see potential partners, connect with people, and assess our surroundings. According to a study, 88% people recognised vision as the most valued sense and 80% of all impressions are made by sight, highlighting the importance of good vision and eye health.
Despite this, many people don’t consider eye health to be important and don’t often seek support from eyecare professionals to check their vision. Astonishingly, around 2 million people are living with a form of sight loss in the UK, showcasing a clear gap in vital eye health knowledge.
What is National Eye Health Week?
National Eye Health week is a dedicated week to raise awareness for the importance of regular eye health checks and to highlight the idea that vision matters in all aspects of life.
Established in 2012, the week aims to inspire and encourage people of all ages to regularly have their eyes examined by a an eyecare professional and educate people on the dangers of having poor eye health.
Celebrated on the week commencing 23rd September, National Eye Health week also aims to raise awareness of the close link between eye health and mental wellbeing and demonstrates how eyecare professionals play a significant role in improving overall health across the UK.
Can poor eye health impact mental health?
Healthy eyes are associated with good brain health as they are fundamentally linked within the human body. The eyes act as the camera for the body, which captures light and send signals and information to the brain. Without healthy vision, our brains will be impacted through limited information.
There is a significant connection between good eye health and mental wellbeing. Problems with vision can impact an individual’s quality of life and mental health, creating feelings of isolation, social separation, and anxiety.
Anxiety and depression
Lossing the ability to see can have an irreversible and damaging effects on mental health, with 1 in 4 adults with vision loss reporting anxiety and depression. Sight provides us with independence, leaving those without good vision at risk of feeling depressed, anxious, and without their independence. They may have to rely on others which could make them feel like a burden, further exacerbating anxiety or depression.
Loneliness and social isolation
Poor eyesight may impact someone mobility and ability to socialise with others, risking loneliness, social isolation, and fear. Vision loss may also make it harder to engage in conversation or social activities intensifying the feeling of social isolation and inability to feel a social connection.
Importance of eye health
Our eyes and vision are fundamental in creating a healthy and happy life. We use our sight every day to navigate the world, connect with people, and gage environments. Eyes provides the ability to perceive movement or make assessments about people and surroundings. It could even warn us of a dangerous situation.
With this in mind, taking care of our eyesight and vision is essential in protecting our physical and mental wellbeing. National eye health week encourages more people to take the lead in regularly visiting an eyecare professional and taking the necessary health steps to prevent vision loss.
How can we take care of our eyesight?
Practicing good eye care protects eyes from any further injury, for example wearing protective eyewear if your job requires, not looking directly into the sun, and taking regular screen breaks. You can practice good eye care through things like getting a regular eye health check from a medical professional, wearing sunglasses in bright sunlight, eating a healthy, exercise, having a well balance diet, and avoiding smoking.
- Taking regular screen breaks
In our modern world, looking at screens is inevitable. Yet, constantly looking at screens are known to cause eyestrain, blurred vision, and dry eyes. It’s important to take regular screen breaks throughout the day, including taking short breaks often from workplace screens, reading a book on the commute rather than looking at a phone, and having screen-free times whilst at home.
Visiting an eyecare professional for regular check-ups will do more than making sure you can see clearly; they may also be able to detect eye diseases at pivotal times.
Importance of getting your eyes regularly checked
Regular eye tests can have life-changing impact on preserving the vision of millions of people and primary prevention of eyesight through regular professional checks is linked to maintaining overall good health and wellbeing.
Some eye conditions and issues may not show signs or symptoms in their early stages and regular check-ups from an eyecare professional may detect problems, providing early and potentially life-saving intervention. Early detection often allows for more effective treatments, appropriate corrective measures, and can prevent further vision loss.
Regular eye tests may also identify other health problems early on, including high blood pressure, skin cancer, and brain tumours.
Having good eye health doesn’t just make every day easier and more vibrant, poor eyesight may put you at risk of experiencing more falls and accidents, potentially jeopardizing physical and mental health.
