Don t lose sight of the ones you love Every day 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight. Only an eye examination can pick up the early signs of eye disease. Book your eye examination today.
Your eyes might look great and your eyesight might be fine, but that doesn t mean your eyes are healthy. Many eye conditions have no early symptoms, so you may not know your sight is being damaged. The good news: when eye conditions are detected early, the right type of treatment could safeguard your sight.
Only an eye health check or eye examination can see eye disease Book an eye health check today to help protect your sight. For many people this check-up is free. If you do notice a change to your sight, never dismiss it as just part of getting older visit your local optometrist (optician) immediately. Who needs a regular eye health check? You do! Most people should have their eyes checked every two years. If you have diabetes or a family history of glaucoma you should have your eyes checked every year. What happens? Your optometrist (optician) will tailor the test to suit your individual needs. They will ask about your general health, lifestyle and family history, and then check your eyesight, your eye health and your eye muscles. Where do I go? You can go to your local optometrist to make an appointment. 3
How much does it cost? Costs generally vary, but many people qualify for a free NHS sight test, including: people aged 60 and over children under 16 (or under 19 and in full-time education) people with diabetes people aged 40 and older who have an immediate family member with glaucoma people eligible for certain benefits. If you use a visual display unit (VDU) at work, such as a computer or a monitor, you can get free regular eye examinations through your employer. NHS sight tests can be carried out at most high street optometrists. You may also be entitled to help with the cost of your glasses. If you need specific glasses to use a VDU at work your employer may contribute to the cost. 4
Children and people on low incomes may also qualify for help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses. For more information about free eye examinations or help with the cost of glasses, ask your local optometrist (optician), visit rnib.org.uk or call us on 0303 123 9999. Optometrists who are signed up to provide the Welsh Eye Care Service (WECS) also offer free eye examinations if you: have sight in one eye only have a hearing impairment or are profoundly deaf have retinitis pigmentosa have age-related macular degeneration are from an ethnic group that is Black (which includes African/Caribbean/ Black British or other Black) or Asian (which includes Indian/Pakistani/ Chinese/Bangladeshi/Asian British or other Asian) are at risk of eye disease because of a family history are experiencing eye problems that need urgent attention. 5
Keep your eyes healthy Ethnicity Minority and ethnic groups especially South Asian, African/African-Caribbean and Chinese people have an increased risk of developing certain serious eye conditions. Early detection of these conditions and the right type of treatment can help save your sight. Diet Being overweight increases your risk of diabetes, which can lead to sight loss. By eating a balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables, you could help to keep your eyes healthy. Smoking Smoking can increase the risk of developing agerelated macular degeneration (AMD) the UK s biggest cause of blindness. The sun The sun s UVA and UVB rays can harm your eyes and increase your risk of developing cataracts and AMD. Wearing glasses or contact lenses with a UV filter will help protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses marked CE or British Standard BS EN 1836:2005. 6
Diabetic retinopathy This condition, which is common in diabetics, can eventually cause weak blood vessels to grow in the wrong part of your eye, causing serious problems with your vision. Glaucoma The most common type of glaucoma causes pressure to build up in your eye. The build up in pressure damages the eye s optic nerve and starts to steal your sight. Cataracts A cataract is the clouding of your eye s lens, which in turn clouds your vision. Cataracts are very common in people over 60, but people with diabetes often develop cataracts earlier. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) The macula is the part of your eye responsible for what you see straight in front of you. AMD causes the cells in the macula to stop working, which damages your central vision. 7
Further information If you d like more information about eye examinations or the advice contained in this leaflet please call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit visionmatters.org.uk About RNIB We re here for everyone affected by sight loss. Whether you re losing your sight or you re blind or partially sighted, our practical and emotional support can help you face the future with confidence. rnib.org.uk RNIB charity nos. 226227, SC039316 and 1173