In conjunction with World Sight Day (October 8), Optical Express has reminded patients of the importance of looking after their eye health as they age. ‘Sight loss is no longer an inevitable consequence of growing older,’ said David Teenan, UK medical director of Optical Express.
‘Many sight-threatening conditions can now be treated successfully if detected early. Glaucoma, for example, causes irreversible blindness, but 90 per cent of cases could be prevented if diagnosed early enough.’
Optical Express patient Elsie Wilson, 101, is an advocate of one of Teenan’s recommendations, regular eye tests, and is pictured with Tina McIlvaney, clinic manager of the Glasgow Shawlands branch. Teenan also recommended eating leafy greens such as spinach packed with lutein and zeaxanthin, protecting eyes from UV light and giving up smoking.