20/20 vision for the year 2020

Optometrists are encouraging the public to make the year 2020 the year they resolve to have a regular eye test.

Reports have shown that;

• A fifth of people admit to not having had a sight test within the last two years.
• As well as an eye health check, a sight test can detect signs of general health conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
• Regular checks protect sight by making sure eye conditions are picked up and treated early.
• Over one million people in the UK are living with avoidable sight loss.

Speaking about the importance of regular eye tests, local Optometrist Lesley Cree said,” Regular eye tests not only ensure your vision is as clear as possible, but also keep your eyes comfortable and also pick up early any signs of eye disease which could end up saving your sight. At least half of all sight loss is avoidable, so regular checks are the most important way to protect it.”

What is 20/20 vision? 

The term 20/20 vision is the American way to describe your visual acuity. We call the equivalent vision 6/6. These figures are based on the size of the letter charts used in a sight test and the distance from which you view them.

The top number refers to the distance at which the chart is viewed (20 feet or 6 metres) and the bottom number refers to the size of the letters. So if you view the chart at 6m, we call the top letter on the chart 6/60, average/normal vision 6/6, and the smallest line on the chart 6/5.

Other resolutions that are good for your eyes; 

1. Stop smoking

Many people are unaware of the link between smoking and eye disease. Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing eye diseases, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

2. Eat healthily

Eating a healthy, balanced diet reduces your risk of eye disease. Include lots of omega-3 fats, found in oily fish, and lutein, found in dark-green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. Vitamins A, C and E are also helpful, so eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

3. Wear sunglasses

Optometrists are highlighting the importance of wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV light. UV is more damaging to the eyes than to the skin and can cause cataracts and macular degeneration. When choosing sunglasses, you should always make sure that they carry the CE or British Standard marks.