Why do eyes get dry? Your tears lubricate your eyes, but some people don’t have enough tears or have poor quality tears and this is called dry eye. You may find your eyes feel itchy or irritated. Some people with dry eye even find their eyes water!

Working at a computer, you should take regular breaks. Prolonged use can lead to staring and potentially dry eyes as a result of insufficient blinking. Use the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus your eyes on something at least 20 feet away.

An eye test is a vital health check for your eyes. Every adult needs an eye test every two years, and some people may be advised to have a test more often.

Contact lens wearers remember not to swim with your contact lenses in. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

Around 3.2 million people in the UK have diagnosed diabetes There are almost 1 million more people living with Type 2 diabetes, who don’t know they have it because they haven’t been diagnosed #DiabetesWeek

People with diabetes can have eye problems due to weakened, leaky or blocked blood vessels in the retina, the layer at the back of the eye, over time this can cause sight loss. #DiabetesWeek

If you have diabetes you may not notice the signs or symptoms of early diabetic eye problems. You should get your eyes checked regularly to pick up any changes. In almost all UK areas, a screening programme will invite you to get an annual eye check #DiabetesWeek

If you know you have diabetes and are aged 12 or over you should be invited to a special eye test at least every year, how often you are offered an appointment will depend on your own particular circumstances. #DiabetesWeek

For adults, looking after your blood pressure and cholesterol can reduce the risk of sight loss. Again, get medical advice to help with this. #DiabetesWeek

The UV rating is high in many places today. Stay safe in the sun, don't forget to protect your eyes! #WearSunglasses

Inside your eye is a clear lens. It is there to focus rays of light on the back of the eye. As you get older the lens can become less clear: this is known as cataract. #CataractAwarenessMonth

Do not smoke as this can add to problems. If you smoke speak to your GP or pharmacist about getting help to stop. Exercise regularly and aim to lose any extra weight. If you have problems losing weight ask your GP for referral to a dietitian. #DiabetesWeek

More than one in two people aged 65 and older have some signs of cataract, and it is present for almost everyone over 75. #CataractAwarenessMonth

If required laser treatment of the problem blood vessels can prevent further sight loss for nine people in 10, but improvement in sight which has already been lost is only possible for a minority.

If your optometrist has told that you have cataract the good news is that this is usually a treatable cause of sight loss, often as day surgery. The vast majority of people with cataract will find that their vision is much improved after surgery.

Currently the majority of cataract operations are performed as day surgery under a local anaesthetic. You will be asked to come to the hospital at the appropriate time, then you will have your operation and then go home the same day.

Your current specs won’t have the right prescription once your operation has been done. You will need to have your eyesight tested and may need new glasses.

Wearing good quality sunglasses with UV blocking lenses or UV blocking spectacles or contact lenses can protect you from UV rays which contribute to the development of cataract. Ask the dispensing optician at your local practice for advice.