Seeing Clearly: 9 Top Eye Care Tips

We live in a digital world, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve seen some screens. 

I will be the first to admit that my eyes are seriously exposed to artificial light and blue rays between social media and online shopping. I mean, especially before I started learning about eye health, my eyes were literally tortured by my screen habits alone. Then, when you throw in my questionable use of sunglasses and overlooked eye exams…luckily, I’ve changed, and you can, too.

Your eyes aren’t just for looks (eye pun!) —they’re the windows to the soul. And, keeping your eyes in top shape isn’t rocket science. 

These are my top 9 tips for taking care of your eyes:

Keep it Regular with Your Doctor

Look, I like going to the doctor as much as you (as in, not at all), but this is important for the health of your peepers.

Routine eye exams are critical for finding any eye issues early on. Professionals recommend scheduling an eye exam at least twice a year, even if you don’t have any noticeable vision changes. Prevention is my fav form of medicine!

Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

Fun fact: Your eyes can actually get sunburned!

Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by long hours on the beach or exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Tell UVA and UVB rays they can’t sit with you. Always wear sunglasses that block 100% of both types of sun rays to protect your eyes from damage. 

You can also wear a wide-brimmed hat for even more sun protection… and they’re cute.

Use the 20-20-20 Rule

I won’t lie, I struggle with this one, too. 

Spending extended periods staring at screens can cause eye strain and pain, something so common that it got its own name: computer vision syndrome (CVS). 

So, the common recommendation is to follow the 20-20-20 rule: 

Every 20 minutes, rest for 20 seconds and stare at something 20 feet away, or just take a short walk. 

This might not seem like much, but doing this can help prevent eye fatigue! I set an alarm on my phone to help me remember.

Eat Well

A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and all the good stuff is good for your eye health and everything else. Foods high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E can help protect against age-related eye diseases and maintain good vision. Eat leafy greens, fish, nuts, and colorful fruits and vegetables to keep your eyes healthy.

Stay Hydrated

Yet another reason not to be thirsty!

Dehydration affects the entire body, including the eyes. Drinking a good amount of water daily helps keep the fluid balanced in your eyes, preventing itchiness and irritation. You know the drill: drink a minimum of eight glasses of water every day and limit sugary, caffeine-y, and alcoholic beverages, which make you more dehydrated.

Keep ‘Em Safe

Hey, when you’re dealing with anything that could send stuff flying whether it’s debris, chemicals, or other nasty stuff, make sure you’ve got the right gear on your face. Whether you’re at the ocean, working outside, or working in windy conditions, it’s important to protect your eyes. That means safety goggles or glasses, folks! 

Get Good Shut-Eye

Public Service Announcement: getting good sleep isn’t just important for feeling fresh and maintaining glowing skin, it’s also key for keeping your eyes in tip-top shape. When you’re catching those Z’s, your eyes get a chance to chill out and recharge. Aim for around 7 to 8 hours of solid shut-eye every night, and try setting up a bedtime routine to help you drift off easier and get better sleep. Your eyes will thank you for it!

Practice Good Hygiene Habits

Alright, let’s talk hygiene. Keeping things clean can seriously save you from nasty eye infections and other issues. So, wash your hands often, especially before you prod around your eyes or put in contact lenses. 

Also, resist the urge to rub your eyes! That can push in all sorts of gross stuff like dirt and bacteria, which could end up giving you an infection or scratching up your cornea, ouch!

Keep it Blinky

So we already talked about the 20-20-20 rule but blinks also matter.

I consciously try to blink often, especially when staring at screens. Blinking helps moisturize and refresh your eyes, preventing dryness and irritation. Annnnd I’ll say it again, remember to take regular breaks from screen staring to give your eyes a rest and resist turning into a zombie.

Eye See You Too

Taking care of your eyes is essential. By incorporating these 9 tips into your life, you can help protect your eyes from damage, reduce the risk of eye-related problems down the road, and stay fabulous. Comment below and tell me which tips you already use (or know that you should be using), or check out my other natural skincare articles!