DD HEALTH WATCH: EYE CARE: A regular eye exam should be part of your regular health checkup routine and it is advised to have one at least every two years.
The Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI) estimates that about 80 per cent of adults are entitled to a free two-yearly eye exam under their medical card or PRSI contributions.
There are two eye-care schemes which are paid by the State:
For Medical Card Holders
For qualified PRSI contributors
Says the AOI: “People who hold a valid full medical card (not a GP visit card) and those with a Health Amendment Act Card are entitled to an eye examination once every two years, or more often if there is a clinical reason requiring this.”
There was also an allowance towards the cost of spectacles that was designed to cover the cost of the most basic spectacles. However The Minister for Social Protection suspended payment of these allowances towards spectacles since the 2008 budget. They have not been abolished, but they have been suspended until further notice.
Our eyes gradually change, especially as we age, so dramatic changes aren’t what we need to look for, instead gradual incremental changes are key.
This is why it’s so important to have regular eye exams and take positive steps to protect your eyesight.
Looking After Your Eyes
More than half of all sight loss is avoidable when detected early and a regular eye test can identify early indications of eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma, diabetes and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
If you are a contact lens wearer, regular after-care appointments are very important and will pick up any problems at an early stage.
The following are other steps you can take to ensure you are taking better care your eyes:
Diet – Eat the right foods
Studies show that what we eat can affect our vision. Certain foods are particularly high in antioxidants which can help to prevent retinal damage and certain eye conditions like cataracts and age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). An anti-oxidant which hugely beneficial is lutein, found in many fruit and vegetables.
Foods recommended for eye health include:
Broad leaf greens such as kale and spinach
Brightly coloured fruit and veg such as corn, carrots, orange sweet peppers and oranges
Oily fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel
Broccoli
Eggs
Look at your lifestyle habits:
Exercise
Lack of exercise contributes significantly to several eye conditions, particularly amongst people aged 60 and over.
Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health conditions which can have a detrimental effect on your eye health
Smoking
After ageing, smoking is the biggest risk factor for developing macular degeneration. Smoking also increases your risk of developing cataract.
Know your family eye health history
Certain eye conditions can be hereditary, such as Glaucoma. When detected early, it can be treated and controlled and therefore it would be very beneficial to know if this condition has been in your family history so you can be tested.
Take care in the sun
Wearing sunglasses reduces the risks of damaging your eyes as a result of the strong ultra violet light from the sun’s rays. Check your glasses have a UV factor and carry the CE mark which indicates they meet the European safety standards.
Diabetics
People who have diabetes are at risk of developing a condition called diabetic retinopathy and should ensure they have regular eye tests to enable early detection and treatment.
Computer screen breaks
It is very important to take frequent breaks from your computer screen, at least once an hour to allow your eyes to rest. This will help to avoid problems such as eye strain, lack of focus, and headaches. If you have long documents to read, print them off and use to work alongside your computer.
Mascara
A mascara tube is one of the cosmetic products that is most susceptible to bacterial infection – the warm, dark, moist environment is the perfect environment for bacteria to flourish. Sharing increases the risk of cross-contamination, so avoid if you want to keep your eyes healthy.
