Eye health is one of those things you don’t think about until it’s too late. I got my first pair of glasses in elementary school and was always extremely nearsighted, and then after a decade of wearing contacts every single day, I started having problems with my eyes more and more consistently until the point where I was told I could not wear contacts at all anymore and ended up getting Lasik surgery a few months later. Vision is really something you don't appreciate until you are having issues with, but when you struggle to see it can ruin every aspect of life. 

Over 3.4 million Americans aged 40 years and older are blind or visually impaired, and this is expected to double by 2030.  It’s clear we need to do more to protect our vision. While aging plays a role in declining eye health, younger generations are seeing eye issues arise earlier, making it essential to take action now.

Good news: preventative measures to protect your eyes aren't complicated; a few simple lifestyle habits can make a significant difference in maintaining your vision and preventing long-term damage. The five most important and easiest changes that can help you protect your eyes and improve overall wellness:

1. Eat Healthy for Eye Health

A well-balanced diet is essential for a  sustainable and healthy lifestyle - and it’s equally important for your eyes. Key nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids play a huge role in protecting your vision. These nutrients help prevent conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts, and you can find them in everyday foods.

Focus on incorporating green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale), citrus fruits (oranges, kiwi), fatty fish (mackerel, salmon), and plant-based proteins (eggs, nuts) into your meals. These foods are not only versatile but also easy to integrate into your daily routine, boosting both your eye health and overall nutrition. One of the greatest things you can do for your overall health, including your eyes, is to focus not just how many servings of fruits and vegetables, but the variety of plants you eat - it has been proven over and over that a varied diet ensures you are not low on any vital nutrients, as well as greatly improving gut health.  

2. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration isn’t just a matter of feeling thirsty - it can also affect your eye health. Dry, irritated eyes are more prone to infections and discomfort, and water plays a critical role in lubricating the eyes. Proper hydration boosts tear production, which helps keep your eyes moist and flushes out irritants.

Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily. If you live in a hot climate or exercise frequently, you may need more. Keeping your body hydrated helps keep your eyes comfortable and functioning properly.

3. Protect Your Eyes with Sunglasses

Sunglasses are essential for more than just blocking the sun - they’re a key part of protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. Prolonged exposure to UV light can increase the risk of developing serious eye conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the eyes.

Make sure to wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection whenever you're outside - as long as the lenses have that protection your eyes don't care whether you go for luxury designer pairs or affordable options for sunglasses like Eyebuydirect (I love the Lilia and Good Vibrations styles.) Whether you're lounging by the beach, hiking, or just walking around town, these protective lenses can prevent long-term damage.

4. Maintain Good Eye Hygiene

Proper hygiene is a game-changer when it comes to eye health. Without it, you risk introducing bacteria, debris, and other irritants into your eyes, leading to infections, inflammation, and even vision loss. To keep your eyes healthy, wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.

For makeup wearers, be cautious with eye products like mascara and eyeliner - these can easily irritate or infect the eyes. Contact lens wearers must be particularly vigilant, as improper lens care can lead to serious issues. And if you are both, make sure to get a brand of contacts that can be worn with makeup, which was a large part of the problem with what happened to my eyes - I came to find out that a brand of contacts that I wore for years was not recommended to be used with eye makeup, and I suffered the consequences. Use a reliable contact lens solution, such as Biotrue Hydration Plus, to clean your lenses and case, adding extra moisture for a more comfortable wear.

5. Limit Screen Time

We’re all guilty of spending too much time in front of screens, but too much screen time can contribute to eye strain, headaches, and dry eyes. The blue light emitted by screens can cause digital eye strain, which leads to blurry vision and discomfort.

To reduce strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Also, take regular breaks and avoid looking at screens for an hour before bed to reduce blue light exposure. This helps your eyes recover and can improve your sleep quality, which is also beneficial for eye health.

These five simple habits can significantly improve your eye health and help extend the longevity of your vision for years to come. Start small, and make these practices part of your daily routine for lasting benefits.