Specsavers Opticas (Columnist)
GRANDPARENTS are taking more of an active role in caring for their grandchildren – a fact recognised in Spain with National Grandparents Day on July 26. Continuing the theme, we look at the different care needed for old eyes and young.
How to protect older eyes
Good vision is essential for living a full life and keeping up with the grandchildren.
Specsavers Opticas advises everyone over the age of 80 to have an eye test at least once a year, as older eyes are susceptible to certain changes which can be detected during an eye test.
Some of the most common eye issues after the age of 65 include cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. So be aware of any changes in your vision and visit your optician as soon as you notice any changes.
Glaucoma is caused by a build-up of fluid within the eye, which increases pressure and damages the optic nerve which connects the eye to the brain. If not caught and treated early, this causes permanent vision loss. As vision damage occurs gradually, it can be hard to spot without an eye test.
Make sure you are getting your eyes tested regularly. Check that it includes an eye pressure test (tonometry) which can identify glaucoma in the early stages and that your optician uses the latest technology to ensure that the eyes are healthy.
Looking after the grandkids’ eyes
If you are looking after your grandchildren on a regular basis, you need to think about how to keep their eyes healthy and protect against injuries.
Here are a few important tips to follow:
1. Protect their eyes when playing sports – Sport-related injuries are the biggest single cause of accidental eye injury in children. High-risk sports and activities are the main culprits, such as any game using small fast projectiles, contact sports and cycling.
We recommend that both children and adults taking part in high risk activities should invest in protective eyewear.
2. Choose toys carefully – Many toys can cause eye injuries including scratches to the cornea, ulcers, traumatic cataracts, bleeding and retinal detachment.
Specsavers Opticas advise against buying toys which shoot dangerous projectiles such as bullets, darts or balls, as well as toy wands, swords and laser pointers.
3. Limit Screen Time – Across the nine Specsavers Opticas stores in Spain we have noticed an increase in eye problems in children, particularly short-sightedness, and believe it could be related to the excessive use of digital devices.
We advise you to limit screen time, make sure that kids get plenty of time outside and that they have regular eye tests from the age of six to maintain good vision.
Comprehensive eye tests, including health checks, are free at Specsavers Opticas in Fuengirola. Call 952 467 837 to book your test.
For more eye health information for you or your grandchildren, pop into the store the Fuengirola store on Avenida Ramon Y Cajal 6, or see the eye health section of the website www.specsavers.es
