National Eye Health Week – 22 – 28 September 2025

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National Eye Health Week is an annual event in the UK dedicated to promoting the importance of good eye health and regular eye tests. The week brings together opticians, health professionals, and the public to raise awareness about eye health, preventable sight loss, and the steps people can take to protect their vision. National Eye Health Week aims to educate individuals on the importance of regular eye check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and recognising the signs of potential eye problems.

Did you know?

  • More than 2 million people in the UK are living with sight loss, that is severe enough to have a significant impact on their daily lives. Half of this sight loss is avoidable.
  • A sight test can detect early signs of conditions like glaucoma, which can be treated if found soon enough
  • During a sight test, other health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure may be detected.
  • For healthy eyes, eat well, stay active, don’t smoke and protect your eyes when the UV Index rises to 3 or more.

Studies show that what we eat can affect our vision. Antioxidants can help to prevent retinal damage. One anti-oxidant which is hugely beneficial is lutein.

Diet

Foods recommended for eye health include:

  • Broad leaf greens such as kale and spinach
  • Brightly coloured fruit and veg such as corn, carrots, orange sweet peppers and oranges
  • Oily fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel
  • Broccoli
  • Eggs

Exercise and eyesight

Lack of exercise contributes significantly to several eye conditions, particularly amongst people aged 60 and over. Exercise may reduce the risk of sight loss from narrowing or hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health conditions which can have a detrimental effect on your eye health.

Smoking

After ageing, smoking is the biggest risk factor for developing macular degeneration.

Smoking also increases your risk of developing cataract.

The Sun

Protecting your eyes from the sun is very important and should not be underestimated. Under no circumstances should you ever look at the sun directly. Your sunglasses should have the CE mark on them which ensures that they are giving you the right level of ultraviolet protection.