How to keep your eyes healthy, maintain good eyesight and the importance of cleaning contact lenses

Our eyes are our windows to the world, and 86% of Britons rank their vision as the sense they value most.

15:31 10 March 2014

Many people take their eye health for granted, and a report from the College of Optometrists reveals that 20% of the UK population has not had an eye test for at least five years.

Contact lens wearers need to pay even closer attention to their eyes, as they directly interact with them on a daily basis. Used properly, contact lenses - purchased from reputable venders like Last Minute Lenses - are completely safe. Unfortunately, many people don't fully understand how they should be looking after their lenses, and are putting their eyes at risk as a result. A study, published in the Optometry and Vision Science journal, found that 85% of wearers believe they are following the safety recommendations but, in reality, only 0.4% of users could be classed as being fully compliant with them.

Contact lens wearers need to get into the habit of washing their hands thoroughly before handling their lenses. Otherwise, they are increasing the risk of infection. They should always use fresh solution to rinse and store their lenses, and never use tap water – which can contain harmful bacteria. As an example of the difference this can make, a study led by Radford, published in the British Medical Journal, found that 80% of infections caused by bacteria called acanthamoeba keratitis could be prevented simply through proper contact lens disinfection.

It's not just lens wearers who need to pay close attention to the health of their eyes, however. The NHS recommends having an eye test at least every two years, so an optician can assess the overall health of the eye, and whether vision needs correcting. Eyesight problems become increasingly common in old age, and more than two billion people are expected to be affected by conditions like presbyopia - which cause focussing problems - by 2020. People of all ages need to think about keeping their eyes healthy, and it's worth noting that 26% of adults say they wish they'd taken better care of their eyes during their youth.

Smoking is constantly highlighted as an issue for eye health, as studies show that the habit doubles the chances of sight loss. Smokers have a significantly higher risk of developing cataracts, and are three times as likely to suffer from age-related macular degeneration. Quitting smoking, and taking part in more exercise, are significant steps that can be taken to improve eye health.

Exercise also plays an important role in preventing diabetes – which often causes vision problems, due to raised glucose levels in the blood. In addition, a study conducted by MD Paul Foster found that those who took part in regular moderate exercise are 25% less likely to suffer from glaucoma. Natural vitamins and minerals are also important to eye health, and can be consumed through a balanced diet. Foods like spinach contain lutein, which protects the eye from bright light, while nuts and cereals contain Vitamin E, copper and zinc. These work to encourage healthy cell growth, and to filter free radicals from the body.