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Prevention of Visual impairment

Regular eye checks are important, to prevent unnecessary damage due to undiagnosed conditions. Early diagnosis for children with sight difficulties is essential to prevent learning and development problems.

NHS eye tests are available free of charge for:

• children under 16 year of age,
• young people under 19 years of age and in full time education,
• people who have been diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension,
• people over the age of 40 who have a close relative who has been diagnosed with glaucoma,
• people who have been diagnosed with diabetes,
• people who are registered as partially-sighted or blind,
• people receiving income support, family credit or job seekers allowance, or working disability allowance, and people over the age of 60.

There are several other ways that you can reduce the risk of visual impairment:

• Have your eyesight tested regularly – at least every five years. If you are diabetic you should have your eyesight tested more often than this.
• Protect you eyes from the sun. UV (ultra violet) rays from the sun can damage your eyesight so it is important to wear sunglasses with a high UV protection factor when you are out in sunny weather.
• Find out if there is a history of glaucoma or eye disease in your family. You should have your sight tested every two years if you have close relatives who have been diagnosed with glaucoma.
• Be aware of any changes in your vision. Visit your GP as soon as possible if you experience any changes in your vision or pain in or around your eyes.
• Stop smoking. People who smoke are up to three times more likely to develop cataracts than non-smokers because of the chemicals found in cigarette smoke.

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