It’s National Eye Health Awareness Week!

This week is National Eye Health Awareness Week (22 – 28 September) and Boots Opticians is encouraging people to open their eyes to the importance of a regular eye health check, which can help detect serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, as well as eye conditions such as macular degeneration.

These serious conditions can be detected early by examining the tissue and blood vessels at the back of the eyes via a digital retinal photograph. A digital retinal photograph provides a unique picture of the back of the eye, creating a permanent record of your eye health so any changes to eye health can be easily identified and monitored over time. To help people feel in control of their health, Boots Opticians is the only national high street optician chain to offer digital retinal photography with every single eye health check, at no extra cost.

New research shows that more than three-quarters (76%) of Boots Optometrists have referred a patient on to their GP for further consultation following an eye health check and digital retinal photograph, and 86% have found their early intervention and diagnosis has helped prevent a more serious health condition or outcome.

Professor Peter Scanlon, Clinical Director, NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme says: “It is important for everyone to have a regular eye check. Digital retinal photographs are a helpful addition to the traditional eye examination as this can help to identify changes in the retina, for example, changes in the shape of blood vessels, which could indicate high blood pressure. In addition, it can also help to detect signs of serious eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma which can lead to vision loss, as well as identifying potential tumours or haemorrhage.”

Victoria O’Connor, Boots Optometrist says: “Just like other parts of our bodies, our eyes change, so taking steps to look after our eyes and tracking eye health over time, is vital. Although more than three-quarters (78%) of people consider sight to be their most precious sense,ⁱ only two-thirds (61%) actually have their eyes checked regularly.ⁱⁱ It is important to remember that regular eye checks are not just about looking after your eye sight – your eyes can help to tell us lots about your general health and wellbeing, so getting them checked regularly should be a priority.”

Tracy Kelly, Head of Care at Diabetes UK, comments: “All people should take a proactive approach to have an eye health check.  As well as picking up early stages of eye disease such as glaucoma and cataracts (which are more common in people with diabetes) retinal screening can in some cases pick up undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes due to changes in the back of the eye.  The patient can then be referred to the doctor for a diagnosis.  Diabetes UK is already working with Boots pharmacy to help people assess their risk of having Type 2 diabetes and is pleased to see Boots Opticians taking a similar preventive approach to eye health.”

Francesca Marchetti of National Eye Health Week said:“This National Eye Health Week, we want to remind people of the simple steps that can help to maintain good eye health and eye sight, including making time to have their eyes checked regularly. Your vision changes over time so it is recommended that you have your eyes checked every two years, unless advised otherwise by your optometrist to help maintain good eyesight and good eye health.”

To book an eye health check, speak to your Boots Optician or make an appointment by calling 0345 125 3752 or visit www.boots.com/en/Opticians/Eye-Health.

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Sally - Silversurfer's Editor

Mother of three grown-up daughters and a proud grandma too, I am the ultimate multi-tasker and am passionate about my role as Silversurfers Website Editor and Social Media Manager. Always on the lookout for all things that will interest and entertain our community. Fueling fun for the young at heart!

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