How well do you know your optical health? Optometrists recommend that everyone has an eye test at least every two years. But it’s easy to forget about the health of your eyes as they rarely hurt – and underlying symptoms or changes in sight aren’t always immediately obvious.

However, having regular eye tests are really important for your health. Eye tests won’t just tell you whether you need new glasses. They can spot eye conditions before they develop symptoms and if treated early enough prevent major problems. For example, Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma are common causes of vision loss, but if detected early can be treated.

Eye tests are not just important in telling the health of your eyes but also finding general health problems. Many underlying health conditions cause symptoms throughout the body. For example, some show up on your skin, on fingernails, or in the mouth. However, the eyes can reveal a surprisingly large amount of health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Optometrists and ophthalmologists are often the first to spot certain problems.

Here is a list of some irregularities that can commonly show up in eye tests:

• Red spots – Caused by dots of blood in the eye. Can be a sign of diabetes. When
  blood sugar is too high, blood vessels begin to get blocked and swell up. If not treated can lead to impaired vision.
• Bloodshot eyes can be caused by other conditions too – such as colds, flu, fungal infections. Itchy and swollen red eyes are a common sign of allergies. These can be treated with eye drops
• Dry eyes can be a side effect of staring at a computer for too long. However, some autoimmune diseases can cause dry eyes as well.
• Blurry vision can be caused by many different eye conditions, but for those at risk of high blood pressure, it can be a sign that someone needs to seek further medical attention.
• High cholesterol can cause white rings to develop around the eyes

This is why Health Rewards are excited about our new partnership with The Optical Factory. Our customers will be entitled to free eye tests with The Optical Factory – and gain 100 points towards their Vitality in the process.

The Optical Factory provides customers with expert eye care service and on-site lens manufacturing. Their highly professional staff can assist customers in choosing glasses and lenses to suit their needs – at an affordable price.

‘Our service is designed to cover all the customers eye care needs and ensure that the customer gets a cost effective and satisfactory service every time.’ 

The Optical Factory cover a wide range of eye care needs. Eye examinations, such as
retinal photography and visual field assessment, are carried out 6 days a week. They also run a very specialised clinic called a Visual Stress Clinic, which treats patients for a condition called Mearse Irlen, which affects certain  peoples ability to read.

They are cheaper than most high street opticians with complete frame and single vision glasses starting at as little as £19. Because of their factory unit locations they are able to pass on savings to customers.

What steps can you take to look after your eye health? 

Stop smoking – Smokers are much more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration and cataracts compared to non-smokers.

Exercise – The link between exercise and eye health might seem unlikely but research has shown that exercise may reduce the loss of sight occurring from high blood pressure and diabetes

Healthy Eating – Maintaining a balanced and healthy diet with a lots of fresh fruit and veg will benefit your overall health and may improve the health of your retina.

Drink Sensibly- Drinking heavily has been linked to a high risk of early age onset of eyesight degeneration.

Wear Sunglasses- Wearing good quality dark sunglasses are best to protect your eyes from damaging UV rays. Sunlight exposure is a risk factor for cataracts. Remember to never look into the sun directly as this can cause irreversible damage or even blindness.

To find out more about The Optical Factory – CLICK HERE