The numbers are in—and they find that many Mansfield residents can make improvements health-wise. Figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal that 7.3% of people living in Mansfield have “bad or very bad” general health compared to the other areas in the East Midlands.

Part of the reason for this includes socio-economic inequalities and policies preventing people from accessing proper healthcare. The chances of racial discrimination and social exclusion may also potentially discourage individuals from seeking care when they need it.

Because of this, many residents may have unaddressed ailments—including eye health problems. The eyes are one of the most vital organs involved in your day-to-day activities, so it’s crucial to prioritise vision care when making efforts to improve your health.

As a Mansfield resident, here’s how you can put your eye health first:

Wear prescription glasses

People wear prescription glasses to correct poor eyesight and address vision problems like astigmatism. Those who don’t wear glasses—even when it’s clear that they need them to see—may experience eye strain, as their eyes are working twice as hard to process visual information.

This is why wearing glasses is necessary for those who need vision correction. If you’re part of the third of UK residents who hesitate to purchase or replace their glasses due to high costs, you can use optical vouchers from the NHS. These offer discounts on prescriptions priced between £39.90 and £219. Specific groups—such as those under 16—qualify for this voucher, making glasses more affordable and accessible. If you’re interested, you can ask local opticians, like those from Vision Express at the Four Seasons Shopping Centre, about these vouchers.

Use sunglasses to protect the eyes

Nottinghamshire gets a decent amount of sunshine, especially in summer. Last year, the hottest day in the district was recorded on July 18, when residents experienced temperatures that reached a whopping 36.7°C and disrupted schools and travel activities. Aside from discomfort, prolonged exposure to the sun during this season can damage the eyes, leading to cataracts and vision loss.

To prevent this, Mansfield residents should strive to wear sunglasses whenever they’re outdoors. Sunglasses prevent excess UV rays from entering and harming the eyes. They also have different lens tints, like dark or polarised coatings, that reduce glare and enhance your vision in direct sunlight. If you also need vision correction, eyewear retailer Glasses Direct offers sunglasses with prescription lenses for improved ease of use. You can get frames like classic Ray-Bans or stylish Tommy Jeans if you want both form and function from your sunglasses.

Get regular eye tests

Regular eye checkups are a must, despite not having any eye issues. These checkups enable health professionals to detect and diagnose eye conditions that may not show symptoms, like subclinical optic neuritis, wherein the optic nerve is inflamed. This results in diminished vision and trouble identifying colours, which can be treated with steroids to minimise inflation.

Additionally, eye tests can detect more than just vision problems. They can show early signs of chronic conditions like diabetes. Opticians can also detect tumours if the optic disc or nerve is swelling, allowing individuals to get treated as soon as possible. Eye tests should be part of annual general checkups, but residents may also voluntarily get them in pharmacies like Boots. Tesco on Chesterfield Road has an optician, whilst in the town centre you could try Vision Express, Specsavers or Bryson, Bell and Clenton.

Get sufficient sleep

A lack of sleep prevents the eyes from producing enough moisture, which can irritate them throughout the day. It can also result in eye spasms and blurry vision, causing pain and strain.

Given this, it’s essential to get 8 hours of sleep nightly. Consider investing in sleep masks and blackout curtains to darken your room before bedtime in the summer. Doing so can stimulate melatonin secretion in the body, encouraging natural sleep patterns. It also helps to avoid using gadgets two hours before you sleep, as the blue light they emit can disrupt melatonin production.

Eye health is an essential component of general health. If you’re from Mansfield and want to improve your wellbeing, prioritise your eyes by following the tips above.