Keeping your eyes healthy requires more than just getting an annual eye exam. There are a number of things you can do every day to prevent eye problems or address them early on. Here are some tips for good vision:.

1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams

The American Optometric Association recommends that adults get a comprehensive eye exam every two years if they have no risk factors for eye disease, and annually if they are at higher risk, such as those with diabetes or a family history of eye problems. Children should have their first eye exam at 6 months old, again at 3 years, and before starting school. A comprehensive eye exam can detect eye diseases early on when they are easier to treat.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for maintaining good eye health.

Foods that are high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, such as leafy greens, salmon, and citrus fruits, can help protect your eyes from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and dry eye syndrome.

3. Wear Eye Protection

Eye injuries can happen at any time, whether you’re playing sports, doing household chores, or working with power tools. Wearing protective eyewear like safety glasses or goggles can help prevent eye injuries and keep your eyes healthy.

4. Take Breaks from Screen Time

We spend a lot of time staring at screens these days, whether it’s a computer at work or a smartphone at home. Prolonged screen time can cause eye strain, headaches, and dry eye.

Take regular breaks to rest your eyes, preferably every 20 minutes or so, and adjust the brightness and contrast of your devices to reduce strain.

5. Quit Smoking

Smoking is associated with a higher risk of eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and optic nerve damage. Quitting smoking can help improve your overall health and reduce your risk of vision problems.

6. Use Proper Lighting

Poor lighting can cause eye strain and make it harder to see. Use proper lighting when doing activities that require a lot of focus, such as reading, writing, or sewing.

Position lamps or overhead lights to the side of your desk or work area rather than in front of or behind you, and use adjustable shades to direct light where you need it.

7. Clean Your Hands and Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, make sure you clean your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or lenses. Use proper cleaning and storage solutions recommended by your eye doctor, and replace your lenses as directed.

Failure to do so can cause infections, inflammation, and other eye problems.

8. Manage Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune disorders can affect your eyesight. Manage these conditions by following your doctor’s instructions and taking your medications as directed.

Doing so can help prevent or manage eye problems associated with these conditions.

9. Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays

Just like skin, your eyes can also be damaged by UV rays from the sun. Wear sunglasses that block at least 99% of both UVA and UVB rays whenever you go outside, even on cloudy days. Hats and visors can also provide additional protection.

10. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is important for your overall health, including your eye health. Lack of sleep can cause eye fatigue, dryness, and redness, which can lead to more serious eye problems over time.

Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to give your eyes the rest they need to stay healthy.