Many eye conditions develop slowly and without pain, so your vision can seem fine while changes happen inside your eye. A routine eye exam gives your optometrist a chance to look for early signs of glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases before you notice any symptoms.
Your daily habits matter too. You can take care of your eyes by getting regular eye exams, eating well, staying active, resting your eyes during screen time, wearing sunglasses and safety eyewear, and handling your contact lenses with care.
1. Book an Eye Exam Every Year
Plan on a comprehensive eye exam once a year as an adult. Your optometrist will update your prescription and look at the back of your eye, including the macula, the small area that handles sharp central vision.
Kids should have their eyes checked before they start school, since vision problems can make reading and classwork harder. And if glaucoma or macular degeneration runs in your family, tell your optometrist at your visit so they can decide how often you should come in.
2. Eat Foods That Support Eye Health
Dark leafy greens and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids provide vitamins and nutrients your eyes need. Try working more of these into your weekly meals:
- Spinach
- Kale
- Salmon
- Tuna
The omega-3s in fish may also help if you deal with dry, gritty eyes. Talk to your optometrist before you start a supplement, since the right choice depends on your health and any medications you take.
3. Quit Smoking to Lower Your Eye Disease Risk
People who smoke are about twice as likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and they face a higher risk of cataracts too. Both conditions can lead to serious vision loss.
Quitting may lower your risk for each of them. You can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free support, or ask your family physician about other options.
4. Stay Active & Maintain a Healthy Weight
Regular exercise can help you keep a healthy weight, which may lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. That matters for your eyes because high blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in your retina over time.
Pick an activity you’ll stick with, like a brisk walk after dinner or a weekend bike ride. If you already have diabetes, plan on a diabetic eye exam every year.
5. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule for Screen Time
Long stretches at a computer or phone can leave your eyes tired and dry by the end of the day. The 20-20-20 rule gives them regular breaks: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
These short pauses can let the focusing muscles in your eyes relax. Set a recurring reminder on your phone or computer if you tend to lose track of time while you work.
6. Blink More & Improve Your Lighting
You blink less often while you look at a screen, and fewer blinks can leave your eyes dry and irritated. Make a habit of blinking fully during long work sessions.
Your setup can help as well. Position your screen so windows and overhead lights don’t reflect off it, and adjust its brightness to match the room. When you read, sit near natural light or use a lamp that lights the page evenly.
7. Wear Sunglasses All Year
UV rays can pass through haze and thin clouds, so wear UV-blocking sunglasses whenever you’re outside, including in fall and winter. Too much UV exposure can increase your risk of cataracts and eye growths.
Add a wide-brimmed hat on bright days for extra coverage. Kids need sun protection for their eyes as well, so pack a pair for them when you head to the beach or park.
8. Wear Protective Eyewear for Chores & Sports
A stray ball or a splash of cleaner can injure your eye before you have time to react. Put on safety glasses or goggles when you’re:
- Doing yard work
- Cleaning with harsh chemicals
- Playing sports like racquetball or basketball
If something splashes into your eye, rinse it right away with clean water or saline. Call your optometrist if it still hurts or looks red afterward.
9. Handle Your Contact Lenses with Care
Poor lens hygiene can lead to a serious eye infection. Wash and dry your hands before you touch your lenses, and use fresh solution every time instead of topping off what’s already in the case.
Take daily wear lenses out before bed, since sleeping in them raises your risk of infection. Replace your lens case at least every 3 months. If your lenses feel scratchy or dry by evening, a few routine changes may help.
10. Stop Rubbing Your Eyes
Rubbing can release more histamine and make itchy eyes redder and more swollen. Unwashed hands can also carry germs straight to your eyes.
Reach for lubricating eye drops or a cool, clean washcloth when the itch starts. If allergies keep your eyes itchy for weeks at a time, your optometrist can recommend allergy-relief drops.
When to See Your Optometrist Right Away
Some eye symptoms shouldn’t wait until your next yearly exam. Call your optometrist as soon as you can if you notice:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- Flashes of light
- Sudden blurriness
- Eye pain
- Redness that doesn’t improve
Keep Your Eyes Healthy with Daily Habits
Screen breaks and sunglasses can support your eyes between visits. A yearly exam can help your optometrist check the parts of your eye you can’t see or feel changing.
At Total Vision Talega, our optometrists can examine your eye health and help you figure out which of these habits matter most for you. Book an appointment today, and bring along any questions you have about your vision.
