Many people regularly visit their primary care doctor, dentist and even mental health specialists. But are you giving your eyes the attention they need—especially if you don’t wear corrective lenses? Taking steps to maintain healthy vision and prevent eye diseases is essential. Use these tips to focus on your eye health this month.
Schedule regular eye exams
Even if you don’t need glasses or contact lenses, scheduling routine eye exams is essential. Eye exams can detect early signs of vision problems and other health conditions. Here’s how often you should visit an eye doctor, based on your age:
- Children and teens: Vision screenings and exams during regular health check-ups
- In your 20s and 30s: Every 5–10 years
- Ages 40–54: Every 2–4 years
- Ages 55 and older: Every 1–2 years
Regular eye exams can help prevent or manage conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, low vision and dry eyes. These conditions can cause discomfort, blurry vision and even blindness. If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, schedule one today.
Protect your eyes
Protecting your eyes at work, home and outdoors is vital. Here’s how:
- At work: If your job requires safety glasses, wear them consistently. They shield your eyes from potential hazards like flying debris.
- On screens: Spending long hours on digital devices can lead to eye strain, dry eyes and headaches. Consider blue light-filtering glasses to reduce these symptoms.
- Outdoors: Sunglasses that block 100% of ultraviolet (UV) rays are essential, even on cloudy days. Sun damage is cumulative, so start protecting your eyes now if you don’t already.
Eat for healthy vision
Your diet plays a big role in eye health. Foods rich in vitamin A, lutein, zinc and omega-3s can improve vision and help prevent eye diseases. Add these to your meals:
- Vitamin A: Dairy, carrots, broccoli, squash
- Lutein: Leafy greens, peas, kiwi, grapes
- Zinc: Shellfish, legumes, eggs, nuts
- Omega-3s: Chia seeds, spinach, tofu, fish
These nutrients support overall eye health and can help reduce your risk of chronic eye diseases.
Rest your eyes
Just like the rest of your body, your eyes need rest. While sleep provides much-needed recovery, giving your eyes breaks during the day can prevent strain.
If you work on a computer or perform close-up tasks, try these techniques:
- The 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Darkness adjustment: Cover your eyes with your palms for a minute to let them adjust to darkness.
These small breaks can refresh your eyes and reduce strain.
Make eye health a priority
Don’t overlook your eyes when considering your overall health. Schedule regular check-ups, protect your vision, eat eye-healthy foods and take breaks to rest your eyes. Engaging your family in these habits—like cooking nutrient-rich meals or going to the eye doctor together—can make it easier to maintain healthy vision for years to come.
Take the next step for better eye health
Your vision plays a vital role in your overall well-being. Schedule an eye exam with Banner Health today to protect your eyesight and catch potential problems early. Explore our nutrition and wellness resources to learn more about maintaining healthy vision for years to come. Don't wait—start prioritizing your eye health now!
Recommended reading
- Got Something in Your Eye? Here's How to Remove It Safely
- Why You Should Never Sleep With Your Contacts Lenses In
- Six Effective Eye Care Tips to Protect Your Child's Vision
Content in this article was updated on January 2, 2025
