1. Have your eyes examined at least once every 2 years

Eye exams at Visique on High Street and Main Optometrists are extremely thorough and can detect early signs of eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration (ARM) and cataract before you are even aware of any symptoms.

Visique on High Street and Main Optometrists are always at the forefront of technology and have the specialised equipment to thoroughly assess your eye health and even pick up other underlying health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Your eyes should be examined at least once every 2 years and if you are a contact lens wearer, once every 12 months.

2. Eat a nutritious diet

New research has indicated that improved nutrition can help to reduce the loss of visual sensitivity with age. The Schepens Eye Research Institute at the Harvard Medical School has found that macular pigment in the retina - an accumulation of yellow compounds from fruits and vegetables - may prevent age-related vision loss (AMD). Lutein and its related compound zeaxanthin are highly concentrated in the macula, providing the yellow colour known as macular pigment.

The findings of several large studies show that fruits and vegetables that are high in lutein and zeaxanthin should be a regular part of our diet to maintain healthy eyes in addition to zinc and vitamins C and E. These compounds can be found in dark green and orange foods such as spinach, silverbeet, broccoli, green beans, corn, capsicum, mangoes, papaya, kiwifruit, red grapes and peaches. Basically if you eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, you will be getting a lot of these compounds.

Omega-3 (found in fish oil) has also been identified as being essential in keeping our eyes healthy by not only minimizing changes in the retina due to macular degeneration, but is also particularly effective in treating dry eyes.
The high levels of these compounds that have been shown to have the most beneficial effect are difficult to achieve from diet alone.

Lutein-Vision is a breakthrough specially formulated dietary supplement that works to keep your eyes healthy from the inside by helping you to protect the macular region of the eye. Based on the latest eye research it contains lutein and zeaxanthin found in the macular area of the eye.

Lutein-Vision:

• Provides protection to the macular region of the eye from harmful blue light damage.
• Helps to increase the density of the macular pigment in the eye.
• Comes in a convenient one-a-day dosage.
• And a percentage of the sales from Lutein-Vision supports the Macular Degeneration Foundation.
  

Visique on High Street and Main Optometrists is proud to be one of the few Optometry practices in New Zealand to offer Lutein-Vision supplements.

3. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight or obese can seriously increase your risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol which can in turn lead to sight-threatening eye complications.

To maintain a healthy weight and healthy eyes, eat a balanced diet including lots of fruit and vegetables and foods rich in Omega-3's. If you are having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, speak to your Doctor.

Visique on High Street and Main Optometrists have the technology and expertise to pick up signs within the eyes of underlying health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol so these conditions can be treated before they affect your sight.

4. Don't smoke

Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for your lungs. Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing macular degeneration, cataract and optic nerve damage. All of these conditions can lead to vision loss.

If you are having trouble quitting smoking, please visit your Doctor for further advice and book an eye exam with Visique on High Street and Main Optometrists to check if smoking is affecting your eye health.

5. Protect your eyes from the sun

Protection from UV-light is critical as these rays can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium and skin cancer. Visique on High Street and Main Optometrists entire sunglasses range meets the New Zealand Sunglasses Standard for UV protection.

Many of our designer sunglasses can be fitted with your prescription lenses to ensure that you enjoy clear, comfortable vision whilst staying fashionable. Our expert frame stylists are here to help you choose sunglasses that suit your individual personality and lifestyle.

For people who wish to enjoy the convenience of wearing the same pair of glasses for both indoor and outdoor activities, Visique on High Street and Main Optometrists offer Transitions lenses that darken to reduce glare when outdoors.

6. Protect your eyes when playing sport

If you play sport, make sure you shield your eyes with protective sports glasses/goggles. Racquet sports such as squash are a leading cause of serious sports related injuries such as orbital fractures and retinal detachment.

We offer protective glasses/goggles for sports such as squash and swimming and can have them made up to your prescription. We can also prescribe you with specialty lenses for sports such as golf, shooting and many more.

7. Consider your eye health at work

With longer working hours and an increase in the use of technologies such as computers, our eyes are being put under more and more strain.

To avoid eyestrain take regular breaks. Breaks will not only relax the eyes but the whole body as well. A good rule to follow is the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes of looking at the computer screen, turn your head and try to look at an object placed greater than 20 feet (6 metres) away. This changes the focal length and relaxes your eyes; a must for tired eyes.

You may also try to blink for 20 times in succession, to moisten eyes and walk 20 paces every 20 minutes of sitting in front of the computer. This will not only focus the eyes at different distances as you move around but also help with blood circulation for the entire body.

If your job requires you to wear protective eyewear never go without it. Your employer should provide the protective eyewear.

8. Take care of your contact lenses

If you wear contact lenses, regular aftercare eye examinations are vital to ensure your prescription is still suitable, that your lenses are still fitting comfortably and that your eyes remain healthy.

To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing your contact lenses. If you wear fortnightly, monthly or extended wear contact lenses, ensure you clean them properly after every wear and replace them appropriately.

If your eyes are dry with contact lens wear, remember to ask one of our friendly team about lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes hydrated and comfortable.

9. Know your family's eye history

It is important that you know your family's eye history as various eye conditions, for example Glaucoma, are often hereditary.

This will help our Optometrists to determine if you are at a higher risk of developing an eye condition.

If you have a family history of any eye conditions it is essential that your eyes be examined at least once every 2 years so that early signs of an eye condition can be detected in an effort to prevent sight loss.

10. Don't ignore eye signs and symptoms

If you notice any changes in your vision, headaches or pain in or around your eyes, or any other signs or symptoms, don't ignore them. Your eyesight is your most important sense. Book an eye appointment as soon as possible with one of Visique on High Street and Main Optometrists' friendly Optometrists to determine the cause of the signs or symptoms.

Contact Visique on High Street and Main Optometrists for an appointment today.