Why eye health matters
Your eyes help you with everyday life, from reading and working to driving and staying independent. Changes in your sight can affect how you manage daily tasks and your overall wellbeing.
Some eye conditions develop slowly and may not cause symptoms at first. Others need urgent treatment. Getting advice early can help protect your sight.
What can affect your eyes and sight
Many things can affect eye health, including:
- age-related changes
- health conditions such as diabetes
- family history of eye disease
- injury or infection
- sudden changes in vision
- some medicines and treatments
Who to contact about an eye problem
The right first step depends on your symptoms.
For routine eye care, an optometrist can test your vision, examine your eyes and identify signs that you may need further assessment.
For specialist or hospital eye care, an ophthalmologist is a medically qualified doctor who diagnoses and treats eye disease, including more complex conditions and those that may need surgery.
When to get advice
Get advice if you notice:
- blurred or reduced vision
- new double vision
- ongoing red or painful eyes
- new flashes or floaters
- sensitivity to light that does not improve
- changes in how well you can see at night
- concerns about a child’s eyes or sight
Seek urgent medical help if you have sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain, a serious eye injury, chemical exposure, or a sudden shadow or curtain across your vision.
Looking after your eye health
You can support your eye health by:
- having regular sight tests
- following advice about glasses, contact lenses and treatment
- protecting your eyes from injury
- managing long-term health conditions
- getting help quickly if your vision changes suddenly
Eye care is a team effort
Eye care is provided by different professionals working together. Depending on your needs, you may be seen by an optometrist, ophthalmologist, orthoptist, nurse, technician or another member of the eye care team.
Next step
Find support from eye charities and organisations for more information about eye health and sight loss.