Your Vision Matters – Supporting National Eye Health Week

4Sight Vision Support (4SVS) is once again proud to support National Eye Health Week with its theme this year of ‘vision really matters’. Running from 22^nd – 28^th September, this annual awareness-raising campaign promotes good eye health for all – reminding us to get regular eye health checks, and highlighting how lifestyle choices like diet, exercise and screen time affect your vision and can help you make better decisions.

Regular eye health checks can detect early signs of conditions, including glaucoma, which can be treated if found soon enough, as well as diabetes or high blood pressure. Those with sight loss should continue to attend regular checkups as further changes in the eyes can help make the best use of remaining vision and prevent any unnecessary further sight loss. Eye health checks are free for certain people; the NHS website has all the eligibility criteria and information.

In terms of lifestyle, diet, exercise and screen time, affect vision: a healthy balanced diet is ideal, not just for vision but for overall health and wellbeing. Scientific evidence suggests that exercise may reduce the risk of sight loss as it increases the supply of oxygen to the optic nerve. For those using a computer screen, it is recommended to take frequent breaks – try the 20, 20, 20 rule – take a 20 second break, every 20 minutes and look at something at least 20 feet away.

4sight Vision Support is encouraging everyone to help spread the word, on Social Media and by asking friends and family when they last had an eye health check.

For further information on eye health, practical support and advice including shopping, reading food packaging or preparing meals, or help with accessing a local optician please contact 4SVS on 01243 828555 or email enquiries@4sight.org.uk More information about National Eye Health Week can be found here Vision Matters – National Eye Health Week .