Alastair Lockwood, a glaucoma specialist, serves as a consultant ophthalmologist at Queen Alexandra Hospital Portsmouth and also acts as an eye health adviser for the online contact lens retailer Feelgood Contacts.

What led you to specialize in eye health?

During my time at medical school, I found neurologists to be the most inspiring educators. While ophthalmology is a relatively small branch of neurology, I was captivated by the intricacies of the eye as a beautifully logical organ. The importance of vision in our daily lives cannot be overstated; maintaining it can also prevent secondary issues such as falls.

What are the primary threats to good eye health?

The foremost threat is often a lack of awareness. Many individuals may not realize they have conditions like glaucoma because the brain adapts to a natural decline in vision. For those with diabetes, vigilant management is crucial to prevent associated eye damage. Additionally, improper hygiene practices, particularly among contact lens wearers, can lead to microbial growth. The challenge lies in the difficulty tears face in reaching these microbes to eradicate them effectively.

How can people safeguard their eye health?

It's essential to wear protective gear during activities like squash or tennis and to prioritize a balanced diet rich in green vegetables and Vitamin B12. Maintaining control over conditions like blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol is crucial. For contact lens wearers, stringent adherence to hygiene protocols is paramount.

What should they avoid?

Ignoring escalating pain, light sensitivity, visual distortions, or the appearance of new spots or flashing lights in their field of vision is unwise. Also, never rinse contacts with tap water or reuse daily disposables.

Why is regular eye testing important?

Eye examinations serve a broader purpose beyond obtaining a new prescription for glasses. They are vital for detecting underlying issues such as glaucoma and early signs of macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.