Why eye tests are so important
It’s easy to neglect your eyes because they rarely 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.
Therefore, Brosgill Opticians recommends everyone between the age of 16 and 70 to have an eye examination every 2 years and those under 16 and 70+ to have every year.
Keeping your eyes healthy
Quit smoking
![Quit Smoking](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc95b8_c72662400ddd49abbb8de88cd14bbda4~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_166,h_144,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/brosgill-eye-health-services.png)
Smokers are much more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration and cataracts compared to non-smokers.
Eat healthily
![Eat Healthily](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc95b8_c72662400ddd49abbb8de88cd14bbda4~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_166,h_144,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/brosgill-eye-health-services.png)
A healthy balanced diet, with a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, will benefit your overall health and may help keep the retina healthy.
Get moving
![Get Moving](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc95b8_c72662400ddd49abbb8de88cd14bbda4~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_166,h_144,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/brosgill-eye-health-services.png)
Research shows that exercise may reduce the risk of sight loss, which can occur as a result of high blood pressure, diabetes and narrowing or hardening of the arteries.
UV protection
![UV Protection](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc95b8_c72662400ddd49abbb8de88cd14bbda4~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_163,h_141,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/brosgill-eye-health-services.png)
Never look at the sun directly. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses can help protect your eyes from UV rays.
Eye problems and conditions
Below are just a few common eye problems and conditions. If you have any questions about an eye condition or vision problem contact us for an appointment.
Aged macular degeneration
![Aged macular degeneration](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc95b8_872d69928d1c49c99e3c9cc719f7cb36~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_53,h_55,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/contact_lenses_brosgill_leeds_ilkley.png)
Age-related macular degeneration affects the vision you use when you’re looking directly at something, for example when you’re reading, looking at photos or watching television. AMD may make this central vision distorted or blurry and, over a period of time, it may cause a blank patch in the centre of your vision.
Cataracts
![Cataracts](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc95b8_872d69928d1c49c99e3c9cc719f7cb36~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_52,h_54,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/contact_lenses_brosgill_leeds_ilkley.png)
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil.
Conjunctivitis
![Conjunctivitis](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc95b8_872d69928d1c49c99e3c9cc719f7cb36~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_52,h_54,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/contact_lenses_brosgill_leeds_ilkley.png)
Conjunctivitis is a common condition that causes redness and inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye (the conjunctiva).
Diabetic retinopathy
![Diabetic retinopathy](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc95b8_872d69928d1c49c99e3c9cc719f7cb36~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_52,h_54,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/contact_lenses_brosgill_leeds_ilkley.png)
Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the cells at the back of the eye (known as the retina). If it isn’t treated, it can cause blindness.
Floaters, flashes and spots
![Floaters, flashes and spots](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc95b8_872d69928d1c49c99e3c9cc719f7cb36~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_52,h_54,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/contact_lenses_brosgill_leeds_ilkley.png)
Eye floaters are those tiny spots, specks, flecks and “cobwebs” that drift aimlessly around in your field of vision. While annoying, ordinary eye floaters and spots are very common and usually aren’t cause for alarm. Floaters and spots typically appear when tiny pieces of the eye’s gel-like vitreous break lose within the inner back portion of the eye.
Glaucoma
![Glaucoma](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc95b8_872d69928d1c49c99e3c9cc719f7cb36~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_52,h_54,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/contact_lenses_brosgill_leeds_ilkley.png)
Glaucoma is a condition which can affect sight, usually due to build-up of pressure within the eye. Glaucoma often affects both eyes, usually to varying degrees. One eye may develop glaucoma quicker than the other.
Red eye
![Red Eye](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc95b8_872d69928d1c49c99e3c9cc719f7cb36~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_52,h_54,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/contact_lenses_brosgill_leeds_ilkley.png)
A red eye can be alarming but is commonly just a sign of conjunctivitis or another minor eye condition. If it is painful, there may be a more serious problem. In any case, you should see your GP for advice.