New Year’s Resolutions for Better Eye Health
The New Year is the perfect time to set goals for a healthier lifestyle, but while many people focus on diet and exercise, eye health often gets overlooked. Your vision plays a crucial role in your daily life, and taking steps to protect it can benefit your overall well-being. Fortunately, many eye-friendly habits align with other health resolutions, making it easier to care for both your body and your sight.
This year, consider adding these simple yet effective resolutions to your list. Not only will they support your vision, but they will also contribute to better health overall.
1. Reduce Screen Time & Take Breaks
In today’s digital world, most of us spend hours staring at screens—whether it’s a smartphone, computer, or tablet. This constant exposure to digital screens can lead to digital eye strain, causing discomfort, blurred vision, dry eyes, dizziness, and even headaches.
To protect your eyes:
- Try to limit your screen time, especially before bed.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something at least 20 feet away.
- Adjust screen brightness and contrast to a comfortable level.
Making small adjustments to your screen habits can significantly reduce strain on your eyes and improve comfort throughout the day.
2. Wear Your Prescribed Glasses
Many people neglect to wear their prescribed eyeglasses, either out of habit or vanity. However, squinting to see clearly can strain your eyes and lead to discomfort. If your optometrist has recommended glasses, make sure to wear them as prescribed.
Additionally, invest in UV-protective sunglasses when outdoors to shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can contribute to cataracts and other vision issues.
3. Never Sleep in Your Contact Lenses
Sleeping in contact lenses is one of the most common bad habits among lens wearers. Even if your contacts are marketed as “extended wear,” leaving them in overnight increases the risk of infection. When your eyes are closed, oxygen flow is reduced, making them more vulnerable to bacteria.
To avoid potential infections and complications, always remove your contacts before bed, clean them properly, and follow your optometrist’s care instructions.
4. Get Enough Sleep
A lack of sleep affects more than just your energy levels—it also impacts your eye health. Fatigue can cause eye twitches, dryness, and blurry vision. Additionally, poor sleep habits can contribute to dark circles and puffiness around the eyes.
To give your eyes the rest they need:
- Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night.
- Reduce screen time before bed to improve sleep quality.
- Create a bedtime routine to help you unwind and relax.
Prioritizing sleep is an easy way to enhance both your vision and overall well-being.
5. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet for Eye Health
What you eat can have a direct impact on your vision and eye health. A diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can help prevent age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
Incorporate foods high in vitamins C and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein, such as:
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
- Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit)
- Fatty fish (salmon, tuna)
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts)
- Whole grains
By making healthy food choices, you’re not only protecting your vision but also supporting your overall health.
6. Schedule Annual Eye Exams in Edmonton
Regular eye exams in Edmonton are essential for maintaining good vision and detecting eye diseases early. Conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy often develop without noticeable symptoms, making routine checkups crucial.
A yearly eye exam can:
- Detect vision problems early, even before symptoms appear.
- Monitor changes in your eyesight to ensure your prescription is up to date.
- Identify underlying health issues, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which can affect your vision.
Even if you think your eyesight is fine, scheduling a comprehensive exam with an optometrist at Optometrists Clinic Edmonton ensures you’re keeping your vision in top shape.
Prioritize Your Eye Health This Year
Making small changes in your daily routine can lead to long-term benefits for your vision and overall well-being. Whether it’s cutting back on screen time, improving your diet, or wearing your glasses consistently, every step you take helps maintain healthy eyes for life.
If it’s been a while since your last eye exam in Edmonton, now is the perfect time to schedule one. Optometrists Clinic Edmonton is here to help you start the year with clear, healthy vision. Contact us today to book your appointment!
