Eye Care

Our eyes are not only important but also very clever. Light rays enter the eye via the cornea, which bends the light so that it can pass directly through the pupil (the centre of the iris). This part works like a camera shutter; it opens wider and restricts based on how much light is entering the eye.

By the time the light has passed to the retina at the back of your eye, the image that you are looking at is flipped upside down. This is because of the shape of your eye and the way the light enters it at an angle. This upside down image is then passed to your brain via the optic nerve, where it is flipped the right way up so that you can understand what you are looking at.

The reason that we are able to see with such a higher clarity than that which a camera is able to capture, is due to the masterful engineering of the cornea. The smoothness and transparency are the two most major factors in how well we see, as our sight begins with our corneas.

Although the cornea is incredibly clever, it’s also the outermost part of the eye, meaning that it is open to the world and more vulnerable to damage. Because this is the first stage of sight, any harm to the cornea will affect the overall picture that you see.

Most minor eye complaints tend to be related to the moisture that is involved. Dry eyes can be caused by tiredness or lack of sleep and often show themselves through a red, bloodshot look. This can also make your eyes feel sore or itchy. Redness of the eyes can be an indicator of other eye complaints though, including sun damage, allergies or conjunctivitis (inflammation of the inner eyelids).

On the other hand, too much moisture in your eyes can be equally annoying. Known as ‘tearing’, if you suffer from this then you may notice watery eyes due to light, wind or temperature changes.

A lot of people also suffer from eye strain, which can be caused by overworking them. If you use a computer, read or drive for long periods of time then your eyes can become tired and in need of a rest. Eye strain can also be caused by being long or short-sighted and not wearing a prescription to correct this. If you are repeatedly experiencing eye strain then you should contact an optician.

It’s important to make sure that you are not overworking your eyes so ensure you take regular breaks from straining them. If you work at a computer all day, then give yourself short breaks away from a screen every so often, to give your eyes a rest.

You should take care to wear sunglasses whenever you’re in the sun; look for a pair that protect against all UVA and UVB rays, rather than just a fashion accessory. If you are doing anything hazardous or anything that involves small airborne materials then make sure you wear protective eye gear to stop anything irritating or damaging your eyes.

Eye Drops

For day-to-day eye complaints, you can find effective relief at UK Meds. We offer eye drops that mimic your natural tears, to keep your eyes moisturised and to ward off redness, soreness or irritation.

Protecting your eyes isn’t just about doing so from the outside though, you can also maintain your eye health from the inside by keeping up with a healthy diet. Nutrients such as zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C and E can help to ward off age-related vision problems.