Why is it important to care for my eyes?

Illness, injury and ageing can all affect your eyesight, so it's important to keep your eyes as healthy as possible.

Regular eye tests are important. Around 90% of all blindness and vision impairment in Australia can be prevented or treated if detected early.

How can I protect my eyes at work and at home?

If you work in an environment where there's a risk of getting something in your eyes (such as dust, wood chips, metal fragments or chemicals), protect your eyes by wearing a face visor or a pair of wrap-around goggles.

You may want to ask your employer to provide protective clothing.

It's also a good idea to wear eye protection when playing sport and at home when using garden equipment, cleaning or working with chemicals.

How can I protect my eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light?

Wear sunglasses with good UV protection and a sun hat.

Too much UV light can lead to cataracts and an eye disease called age-related macular degeneration.

How can I prevent eye infections?

Avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands. This will reduce your risk of getting an infection.

It's a good idea to always wash your hands with warm soapy water before and after touching your eyes.

Try to avoid rubbing or scratching your eyes as this can also lead to an infection.

Avoid sharing things like towels, face washers or make-up as this could pass on an infection. Use your own personal items and try to make sure no one else uses yours.

How do I prevent allergic eye symptoms?

If your eye discomfort is caused by allergies, try to avoid the cause of your allergic reaction.

Common allergy causes are:

• animal dander
• dust mites
• pollen
• certain foods

If you are allergic to pollen or other airborne allergens, wear sunglasses outside to avoid pollen getting into your eyes.

How can I clean my eyes safely?

Gently clean any eye discharge from your eye area using a cotton wool pad soaked in clean water.

Always wipe from the corner of the eye (nearest the nose) outwards to prevent passing any infection into the other eye.

Use a different pad for each eye.

How can I manage sore eyes?

A cold or warm compress may soothe your eyes. Some conditions may respond to a warm compress better than a cold compress. A clean damp face washer soaked in water is ideal.

What if I wear contact lenses?

Take care when inserting and removing contact lenses from your eyes. Always follow the instructions from your optometrist when cleaning your lenses and avoid wearing them for long periods of time.

Take them out before you sleep and always wash your hands before touching your lenses.

If your eyes become sore, remove your contact lenses and leave them out until all your symptoms have gone.

Infections caused by contact lenses can be serious. If your symptoms don't improve after you remove your contact lenses you should see your optometrist as soon as possible.

When should I see my doctor or optometrist?

If you notice a change in vision or eyesight see your doctor or optometrist for an eye examination as soon as possible.

Also see your doctor or optometrist if you have the following symptoms around the eyes and eyelids:

• pain or tenderness
• swelling
• redness

When to seek urgent care

See a doctor as soon as possible, or go to your nearest emergency department if you:

• see 'flashing lights'
• have severe eye pain
• are sensitive to light (photophobia)
• get chemicals in your eye or you get something in your eye during activities such as drilling, cutting or grinding
• have eye problems together with a headache, slurred speech and nausea or vomiting

How can I prevent eye problems?

Be careful with screens

Try to sit at least an arm's length from a desktop computer screen.

Don't hold the screen too close to your eyes.

Give your eyes a rest every 20 minutes by looking at something 6 metres away for around 20 seconds.

Make sure the room is well lit and that there isn't a reflection on the screen.

Have regular eye tests

You should visit an optometrist for an eye test every 2 to 3 years, even if you have no symptoms.

Medicare gives you rebates for eye tests done by an optometrist:

• once every 3 years if you're under 65 years
• once a year if you're 65 years or older

Ask your optometrist how much an eye check will cost. Sometimes they may be able to bulk bill. It's best to check with them when you make your appointment.

Ask your optometrist whether you need to test more often if:

• you have diabetes
• have a family history of eye conditions

Children should also have a full eye examination with an optometrist before starting school and regularly throughout primary and secondary school.

Take extra care if you have diabetes

Having diabetes puts you at a higher risk of developing some eye conditions. Always keep your blood sugar levels and blood pressure well controlled.

Regular eye tests are important.

Get help to quit smoking

Smoking is linked to an increased risk of eye conditions such as:

• cataracts
• macular degeneration
• thyroid eye disease
• eye irritation

If you smoke, try to cut down or quit. Call the Quitline on 13 7848 or talk to your pharmacist or doctor to help you quit smoking.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Nutrients in food that may help prevent macular degeneration include:

• antioxidants (for example, green leafy vegetables)
• omega-3 fatty acids (for example, tuna and salmon)
• vitamin C
• vitamin E
• minerals like zinc and selenium

Regular exercise will also help prevent diabetes.

Resources and support

Vision 20/20 Australia has information on eye health and common eye conditions.

For information on decreasing contact with allergens.

To learn more about macular degeneration.

Find out about technology, services and support for people experiencing vision loss.

Diabetes Australia has information on the importance of eye health in diabetes.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.