Adults, especially after age 40, should get regular comprehensive eye exams from an optometrist or ophthalmologist to screen for diseases like glaucoma, check eye pressure, and examine the retina and optic nerve, as many serious eye conditions have no early symptoms.
Have children spend time outdoors daily, even when doing near work, as exposure to full-spectrum sunlight is linked to less progression of nearsightedness (myopia). Studies suggest 1-2 hours outdoors can make a difference.
Wear eye protection such as glasses, goggles, or safety goggles when engaging in activities like metal grinding, significant gardening, sanding, or woodshop projects to prevent unnecessary eye injuries and trauma.
Refrain from smoking or vaping nicotine, as it is a major risk factor for both glaucoma and macular degeneration, and can also exacerbate dry eye by causing inflammation and drying out the eyes.
If you have diabetes, strictly control your blood sugar levels (hemoglobin A1c) and blood pressure through lifestyle changes or medication, as these are critical for preventing and managing diabetic retinopathy.
For dry eye, use preservative-free artificial teardrops as often as needed, as they are safe for frequent use and avoid the irritation or inflammation that preservatives can cause on the ocular surface.
Clean your eyelashes with diluted no-more-tears baby shampoo or specialized eyelid scrubs once or twice a day to keep oil glands functioning optimally and maximize high-quality tear production, especially if you experience blepharitis or scurf.
If you get something in your eye, use a sterile saline solution (over-the-counter eyewash) or preservative-free artificial teardrops to rinse it out, as tears and blinking are generally effective for daily cleanliness.
If eye misalignment (strabismus) is detected in children, seek early correction, ideally before age three but even up to young teen years, to prevent permanent vision loss (amblyopia) and ensure proper brain-eye connection.
If experiencing presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing at near), use reading glasses to enjoy clear vision and relax eye muscles; intentionally avoiding them may not significantly slow progression and can cause eye strain.
If you wear contact lenses, opt for daily disposable lenses when possible, as they are generally safer and reduce the risk of corneal infections by eliminating the need for cleaning and reuse.
Never sleep in contact lenses overnight, as this significantly reduces oxygen to the eye surface and increases the risk of bacterial infections, which can lead to severe corneal damage.
Block UV light to protect your eyes from accelerated cataract formation and potential retinal damage; most eyeglasses and car glass already filter UV, and a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses can provide additional protection.
If you have severe dry eye and standard treatments are insufficient, ask your eye care provider about ‘serum tears’ (diluted blood serum), which are rich in growth factors and can be very helpful for advanced cases.
Explore red or near-infrared light therapy (small, non-invasive daily doses) as a potential neuroprotective approach for age-related macular degeneration and optic neuropathies, though specific protocols are still under research.
For severe glaucoma, consider sleeping with your head elevated (e.g., at a 30-degree angle on pillows) if tolerable, as this may help lower eye pressure during the night when it is typically highest.
Engage in eye exercises like ‘pencil pushups’ (focusing on a pen moved from arm’s length to nose and back) or smooth pursuit tracking, as they are not harmful and may help some individuals feel more visually active, and are used in concussion recovery protocols.
Consider vision performance training, such as using specialized goggles that intermittently black out vision, to potentially enhance visual reflexes and acuity beyond normal levels, as studied in athletes and gamers.
If you experience eye floaters, try to ignore them, as they are common, usually harmless, and often either go away on their own or your brain will learn to filter them out over time, making surgical intervention generally unnecessary.