CARING FOR YOUR EYES AND EARS IN 2026
Columnist
The team at Fairbairn Opticians in Banbridge and Newry share expert advice on how small daily habits can protect your vision and hearing for years to come.
A brand new year often inspires big resolutions — and mine usually start with exercise more, save money, eat better, and walk at least 10,000 steps a day. They all sound great on paper, but sticking to them can be a real challenge!
Two resolutions, however, that naturally fit into your daily routine and bring long-lasting benefits are looking after your eyes and ears.
Here are a few simple steps to help you hear the world around you and see clearly in 2026.
Nourish your vision
A healthier you starts on your plate.
Green leafy vegetables, salmon, tuna, eggs, nuts, beans and citrus fruits are all packed with nutrients that support eye health. Omega-3s, lutein, zinc and vitamins C and E help protect against age-related problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
Eating well also helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces your risk of Type 2 diabetes — one of the leading causes of sight loss in UK adults.
Step away from the screen
Many of us spend hours glued to our screens, rushing to finish tasks and pushing breaks aside. But giving your eyes regular rest is essential.
Too much screen time can lead to:
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty focusing
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder strain
- Dry, irritated eyes
Try the 20-20-20 rule this year: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Your eyes will thank you.
Stub it out for good
If you’re looking for a powerful New Year change, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do — not just for your overall health, but for your eyesight.
Smoking significantly increases your risk of cataracts and speeds up macular degeneration. Vaping has also been linked to uveitis, a rare condition that causes inflammation inside the eye. Early treatment is crucial to avoid long-term complications such as vision loss and blindness.
If quitting is on your resolution list, the NHS offers free support: www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking
Make sunglasses your everyday essential
Even in winter, UV rays can cause long-term damage to your eyes. Polarised sunglasses eliminate glare, allowing your eyes to see more clearly with less effort, while blocking 100% of harmful UV rays that can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration over time.
Keep up with your eye examinations
It’s vital to have your eyes examined every two years — or more frequently if your optometrist recommends it.
At Fairbairn Opticians, our enhanced eye examination includes advanced imaging with the Optomap scan, allowing us to check the health of your eyes in remarkable detail.
With two decades of experience analysing Optomap images, our optometrists can detect even the subtlest changes that help protect your vision. Many eye conditions can be managed far more effectively when identified early.
Take advantage of our complimentary hearing assessment
Did you know it’s recommended to have your hearing assessed every 1–3 years after age 40, and annually after 60 — or more frequently if advised by your audiologist?
Hearing loss often develops gradually and can go unnoticed, but early detection makes a significant difference to your long-term wellbeing and quality of life.
Our audiology provides:
- A full hearing assessment using modern diagnostic equipment
- Expert advice on hearing protection and prevention
- Guidance on next steps if you’re experiencing any hearing difficulties
So whether you’re prioritising your health, refreshing your routine or simply taking steps toward a happier, healthier you, caring for your eyes and ears is a resolution worth keeping.
Fairbairn Opticians
Banbridge
Tel: 028 4062 4979
102 Newry Street, BT32 3HE
Newry
Tel: 028 3026 5200
6 Sugar Island, BT35 6HT
