The RNIB and NHS Choices recommend the following tips to keep eyes healthy:

• Have regular eye tests €“ tests should be carried out every two years even if there is no change to an individual's vision
• Quit smoking €“ smoking can double the risk of developing AMD
• Eat well €“ adopt a healthy, balanced diet abundant in green, leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach. Oranges, kiwi fruit, nuts, seeds and oily fish may also be beneficial
• Keep active €“ research suggests that regular exercise may reduce the risk of sight loss from high blood pressure, diabetes and hardening of the arteries. Maintaining a healthy weight is important as obesity increases the risk of developing diabetes
• Watch your units €“ excessive alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of early AMD. The recommended daily limits are three to four units for men and two to three units for women
• Be sun safe €“ UVA and UVB rays in sunlight can damage eyes and may increase the risk of developing cataracts and AMD. Choose CE marked sunglasses and wear wide-brimmed hats
• Safety first €“ DIY causes more than 20,000 eye accidents a year, many of which could have been prevented with appropriate protection. Certain sports may also require safety goggles
• Take frequent breaks €“ give your eyes a rest every 20 minutes or so
• Create an eye-friendly environment €“ position copy documents at roughly the same distance from the screen to avoid having to refocus. Dim the lights and minimise glare or reflection
• Position the computer monitor at arm's length, with the top of the screen at eye level. Choose a font size of at least 12 points and make sure the screen is clean
• Keep blinking €“ concentrating on a screen for long periods of time can slow blinking rates by as much as 400 per cent.