How to look after your eyes
Find out why regular eye tests (sight tests) are important and how a healthy lifestyle can help maintain good vision.
Why are regular eye tests so important?
It’s easy to neglect your eyes because they often don’t hurt when there’s a problem.
Having an eye test won’t just tell you if you need new glasses or a change of prescription – it’s also an important eye health check.
It can spot many general health problems and early signs of eye conditions before you’re aware of any symptoms, many of which can be treated if found early enough.
How often should I have an eye test?
Opticians recommend that most people have an eye test at least every 2 years. People over 40 and people from black or minority ethnic groups may need sight tests more often.
Find out if you can get an eye test for free on the NHS.
What should I do if I notice a change in my sight?
Visit your optician or GP if you’re concerned about any aspect of your vision at any time.
Find your nearest NHS optician.
Are some people more at risk from eye disease than others?
Some people are more at risk. It’s especially important to have regular eye tests if you are:
-
older than 60
-
from a certain ethnic group: people from Afro-Caribbean communities are at greater risk of developing glaucoma and diabetes, and people from south-Asian communities are also at a greater risk of developing diabetes – diabetic retinopathy, where the retina becomes damaged, is a common complication of diabetes
-
from a family with a history of eye disease.