Protecting Your Sight: Lessons for Eye Health Awareness Week

Eye Health Awareness Week is the perfect time to remind ourselves how vital our vision is – and how quickly it can be lost if we don’t act on the warning signs.

During one of our Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) courses, a learner bravely shared his own story. He thought he simply had something in his eye. When new symptoms appeared – sudden loss of vision – he visited his doctor, only to discover it was an eye stroke (a blockage of blood flow to the eye). Sadly, by the time he was seen, it was too late to save his sight, and he lost 90% of the vision in that eye.

This real-life example is a powerful reminder: changes in your vision should never be ignored. Blurred spots, sudden darkness, flashing lights, or any loss of vision can indicate a serious medical problem, such as an eye stroke or retinal detachment. The sooner you get help, the better the chance of protecting your sight.

What First Aiders Need to Know

As first aiders, we’re often the first point of contact when someone mentions a symptom. While we don’t diagnose or treat eye conditions, we play an essential role in signposting casualties to medical professionals quickly.

If someone reports:

• Sudden or partial loss of vision

• Flashes, floaters, or shadows

• Severe eye pain or redness

• Blurred vision that develops suddenly

Encourage them to seek immediate medical attention – ideally the same day.

Eye conditions can deteriorate rapidly, and in many cases, prompt assessment is the difference between saving and losing sight.

Tips for Protecting Eye Health

• Book regular eye tests – at least every two years, or more often if advised by an optometrist.

• Wear protective eyewear when working with tools, chemicals, or in dusty environments.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: good nutrition, exercise, and managing blood pressure all support eye health.

• Seek advice without delay if you notice any sudden or unexplained changes in your vision.

At Haffenden Training Solutions, we teach our learners that first aid isn’t just about bandages or CPR – it’s about recognising when someone needs professional care and guiding them to the right support. Eye health is no exception.

This Eye Health Awareness Week, let’s spread the word: take changes in your vision seriously and act fast. Your sight is precious – protect it.