Two nurses, Carol -Ann and Bethan from the Eye Clinic at Ysbyty Gwynedd were on hand to give out advice and to discuss any eye problems with members of the public at the hospital in Bangor as part of National Eye Health Week, 18-24 September, which promotes the importance of good eye health.
They explained the importance of regular eye tests as well as the importance of a balanced diet full of brightly coloured fruit and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish and eggs in eye health.
The nurses also explained the importance of using Eye protection when gardening, working with tools and when playing some sports as well as the need for sunglasses when in the sun. They also gave advice regarding stopping smoking because of the increased risk of developing cataracts.
In addition to health promotion, both nurses gave advice regarding any eye emergencies or minor eye conditions and the encouragement to use the Welsh Eye Care Service (WECS) at a local optician. Patients can be seen there as an emergency and referred on to the Eye Department if needed.
The nurses gave out information regarding many eye conditions including Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma and the importance of using drops correctly and regularly, Cataracts, dry eyes, Blepharitis and Diabetes including the importance of a good diabetic control to prevent irreversible sight loss.
Two 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 preventable…. hence the importance to share this important information.
A sight test can detect conditions like Glaucoma and Wet Macular Degeneration which can be treated if found soon enough as well as other acute medical problems too.
