How To Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Last Updated on: 27th May 2025, 12:00 pm
Healthy eyesight is crucial for our overall well-being and quality of life. However, in the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of eye care. Luckily there are simple but effective steps we can take to look after our sight. I want to share some ideas on how to keep your eyes healthy and feeling fresh.
Your eyes are precious and there are so many things to think about when you need to keep your eyes healthy.
Use Eyedrops For Tired And Dry Eyes
When you get dry eye, it is usually the result of a salt imbalance in your tears. As your eyes become drier, they lose water and become too salty. Then the salt makes them sting and burn. This is uncomfortable and you will need some extra help. This help comes in the form of eye drops that you can buy from drugstores, pharmacies and even supermarkets.
Dry eyes can cause blurry vision and sensitivity to light, wind or smoke. It might feel like there is Grit or sand is stuck in your eye. It will also make your eyes feel tired and even maybe watery. Lubricant eye drops support the homeostasis of the tear film, which is the overall balance of the different parts of the eye. One eye drop brand that I recommend as a sales assistant in Superdrug is TheraTears soothing eye drops. They have a range of products from eyedrops for 50+ to eyedrops for screen eyes. Especially if you use a screen a lot for work or pleasure. They also have eyedrops for dry and tired eyes, which is the one I sell the most of.
Get Your Eyes Checked Out To Keep Them Healthy
Regular eye tests are the cornerstone of preventive eye care. Even if you don’t have problems at the moment, you should still visit the opticians regularly. Normally a test every two years for people without problems is good. You need to check your eyes for other ways to keep your eyes healthy. An optician will check for glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Follow a Balanced Diet
Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining healthy eyesight. Make sure your diet includes foods with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. Foods that include leafy greens, colourful fruits and vegetables, fatty fish (such as salmon and tuna), nuts, seeds, and legumes. These nutrients support eye health and may help reduce the risk of age-related eye conditions.
You also need to stay hydrated as water is essential for maintaining the moisture levels in your eyes. This prevents dry eyes and irritation. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially in dry environments. Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake can also help prevent dehydration, which can affect your eye comfort and health.
Take Regular Breaks From Screens When You Use Them
In today’s digital age, prolonged screen time is everywhere! But, staring at screens for long periods can lead to digital eye strain. This leads to eye tiredness, headaches and dry eyes. To cut down on the eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something at least 20 feet away. This is important if you work in retail and spend hours on the till.
Protect Your Eyes From The Sun To Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Exposure to the sun can contribute to various eye problems, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and corneal sunburn. Whenever you’re outdoors, wear sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection. Look for sunglasses labelled with UV 400 or provide both UVA and UVB protection. Also, wear a wide-brimmed hat in the summer to help protect your eyes as well as your face from the sun. If you wear prescription glasses, did you know you can get some prescription sunglasses? This means you can enjoy the sun and still be able to see!
Practice Proper Contact Lens Hygiene When Cleaning Your Lenses
If you wear contact lenses, proper hygiene is essential to prevent eye infections and complications. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. Follow your eye care provider’s instructions for cleaning and storing your lenses. Avoid wearing lenses while swimming or sleeping, and replace them as recommended to keep up with good eye health.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Leading a healthy lifestyle benefits your overall well-being as well as your eye health. Get regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking. Smoking is a significant risk factor for various eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and optic nerve damage. By prioritising your health, you’re also looking after your sight.
Pay attention to any changes or symptoms affecting your eyesight. It doesn’t matter how small the symptom may seem. Whether it’s blurry vision, eye pain, redness, or sudden flashes of light, seek prompt medical attention. Even more, if you experience any unusual symptoms. Early detection and treatment are key to preserving healthy eyesight and preventing vision loss.
Get A Good Night Sleep Will Help Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health, including eye health. Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night, and establish a consistent sleep schedule. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, and limit screen time before bed to get a proper night’s sleep. Getting enough rest lets your eyes recover and rejuvenate. This helps prevent the risk of eye strain and irritation.
