
Many people assume eye care only matters when vision changes occur, but maintaining healthy eyes is an ongoing process. Everyday habits, regular check-ins, and routine eye exams all work together to support long-term eye health. Understanding how to care for your eyes on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis can help prevent discomfort, reduce strain, and catch potential issues early.
Daily habits play a major role in preserving eye comfort and preventing strain. One of the most important practices is managing screen time. If you spend long hours on digital devices, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps reduce digital eye strain and eye fatigue.
Staying hydrated is also essential. Drinking enough water helps maintain proper tear production, reducing dryness and irritation. If you experience dry eyes, using preservative-free artificial tears can help keep your eyes comfortable throughout the day.
Protecting your eyes from environmental damage is equally important. Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection when outdoors, even on cloudy days. UV exposure can increase the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions over time.
If you wear contact lenses, be diligent about proper hygiene - wash your hands before handling lenses and never sleep in them unless instructed by your eye doctor.
On a monthly basis, it’s helpful to check in with your eyes and your habits. Pay attention to any changes in vision, such as increased blurriness, headaches, eye strain, or light sensitivity. These can be early signs that your prescription needs adjustment or that your eyes are under stress.
If you wear contact lenses, make sure you are replacing them according to schedule and refreshing your lens case regularly. Old or dirty lens cases can harbor bacteria and increase the risk of eye infections. This is also a good time to review your makeup and skincare products - eye makeup should be replaced every few months to prevent irritation or infection.
You can also use this time to evaluate your work and home environments. Ensure your lighting is adequate, screens are positioned at eye level, and glare is minimized to support long-term eye comfort.
Annual comprehensive eye exams are one of the most important steps you can take for lifelong vision health. Even if your vision feels fine, yearly exams allow your eye doctor to detect early signs of conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and other health issues that may not show symptoms right away.
Your yearly visit is also an opportunity to update your prescription, discuss any vision changes, and address concerns like dry eye, allergies, or eye strain. Eye exams can also reveal indicators of overall health conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes, making them an essential part of preventive care.
If you have existing eye conditions, a family history of eye disease, or chronic health issues, your eye doctor may recommend more frequent visits to ensure your vision stays protected.
By practicing healthy eye care daily, staying aware of changes monthly, and committing to yearly eye exams, you can protect your vision and support your overall well-being. Your eyes are with you for life, and caring for them today helps ensure clear, comfortable vision for the future.
If it’s been a while since your last eye exam or you’re experiencing changes in your vision, Lakhani Vision Care is here to help. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam to support your eye health at every stage of life. Visit our office in Marietta, Georgia, or call (770) 509-9932 today.