Preventable Sight Loss
CBM UK, support avoidable blindness
Very Brief Intervention
Ask
I notice you’re wearing glasses – do you have your eyes tested regularly? (usually every 2 years is recommended)
I notice you’re not wearing glasses – do you have your eyes tested regularly? (usually every 2 years is recommended)
If you need more encouragement to (stop smoking/reduce your alcohol intake/be more active/eat healthy) would it help if I told you you’re more at risk of losing your sight if you don’t (stop smoking/reduce your alcohol intake/be more active/eat healthy)?
It looks like your eye is sore / I’ve noticed you squinting / I’ve noticed you rubbing your eyes – have you had that checked? There’s a free service for minor eye conditions and sorting a problem quickly could save your sight
Having regular tests with an optician is really important, and can save your sight. Some people may be entitled to FREE NHS eye tests and vouchers towards the cost of their glasses. If you use a display screen at work, your employer is obliged to provide you with an eye test if you ask for one, and children are entitled to FREE NHS tests.
NHS Vouchers: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/help-with-health-costs/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/
Assist
There are some easy ways of looking after your eyes:
1. Have regular tests with an optician. An optician can detect other health issues through looking in your eyes before you even have any symptoms. Find an optician here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/Opticians/LocationSearch/9
2. Eat a healthy balanced diet, including dark leafy vegetables.
3. Maintain a health weight. Obesity can increase the risk of developing diabetes, which in turn can cause sight loss.
4. Keep active.
5. Stop smoking if you smoke (smoking doubles the risk of preventable sight loss)
6. Drink alcohol within the recommended limits only
7. Wearing sunglasses can help to protect your eyes. Damage from UV light is cumulative (adds up over years) and contributes towards cataracts and age related macular degeneration (AMD). Wearing sunglasses, glasses or contact lenses with a built-in UV filter will protect your eyes
8. Wear safety glasses when doing DIY or any activity that could result in an eye injury. DIY and sports injuries cause thousands of eye related injuries each year
9. If you are unable to leave your home unattended, you may be entitled to an eye test at home. Speak to your optician.
Act
Good vision is not an indicator of healthy eyes. Regular visits to your optician will help you keep your sight as good as possible for as long as possible (usually every two years is recommended unless advised otherwise by your optician).
The majority of sight loss due to refractive error can be corrected simply by wearing the right prescription glasses.
Many forms of cataract are treatable.
If detected and treated early, some sight loss due to glaucoma, AMD and diabetic retinopathy could be avoided.
Useful Resources:
NHS Eye tests for Children: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/eye-tests-in-children/
NHS Vouchers: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/help-with-health-costs/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/