Your eyes work hard every day, and just like the rest of your body, they need care to stay healthy. Whether you’re on screens all day or just want to protect your vision as you age, small habits can make a big difference. Here are 7 easy ways to keep your eyes healthy no matter your age.
7 Simple Daily Habits To Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Book Regular Eye Exams
Even if your vision seems fine, a full eye exam can catch problems early. Your eye doctor checks more than just your prescription, they also look for signs of eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration.
- Adults should have an eye exam every 1 to 2 years
- Kids and seniors may need more frequent visits
- MSP covers eye exams for children under 19 and adults over 65 in British Columbia
Looking for an eye exam in Courtenay? Our optometrists at smarteyes! can help you stay on top of your eye health.
Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens
Staring at phones or computers all day can cause digital eye strain. Symptoms include tired eyes, headaches, and blurry vision. Try the 20-20-20 rule:
- Every 20 minutes
- Look at something 20 feet away
- For at least 20 seconds
This simple habit helps your eyes relax throughout the day.
Eat for Eye Health
Foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants support long-term vision. Try adding more of these to your plate:
- Leafy greens (like spinach or kale)
- Orange vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes)
- Oily fish (salmon, sardines)
- Eggs and nuts
Good nutrition can help protect against age-related vision loss.
Wear Sunglasses (Yes, Even in Winter)
UV rays can damage your eyes year-round. A good pair of sunglasses protects against cataracts and other sun-related damage.
Look for lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. If you wear glasses, ask us about prescription sunglasses when you’re in for your next fitting.
Keep Your Lenses Clean
Whether you wear glasses or contact lenses, proper cleaning keeps your eyes safe from irritation and infection:
- Clean glasses with lens cleaner and a soft cloth (not your shirt!)
- Wash your hands before touching contact lenses
- Don’t sleep in contacts unless your eye doctor says it’s okay
Need help choosing the right contacts? Our team can guide you through options for comfort, clarity, and myopia control in Courtenay.
Stay Hydrated
Dry eyes can come from too much screen time, wind, or not drinking enough water. Staying hydrated helps your eyes produce enough natural tears.
If your eyes often feel dry or gritty, bring it up during your eye exam. You might benefit from eye drops or a custom treatment plan.
Don’t Ignore Vision Changes
Blurry spots, flashes of light, or trouble focusing are signs you should see an optometrist in Courtenay. It could be a minor issue or something more serious that needs attention.
The sooner you check it out, the better the outcome.
Your Local Eye Doctor in Courtenay
At smarteyes!, we make eye care simple, friendly, and fast. Whether you need a check-up, new glasses, or advice about myopia control, our team is here to help. Keep Your Eyes Healthy with
Ready to book your next eye exam in Courtenay? Give us a call or drop by, we’d love to see you.
