Want Better Eye Health? Start with These 6 Habits
Want Better Eye Health? Start with These 6 Habits
Jul 23, 2026
You use your eyes all day—but are you taking care of them?From long hours on screens to time spent in the sun, everyday habits can quietly affect your vision. But protecting your eyes doesn’t have to be complicated.Eric J. Rothchild, MD, an ophthalmologist at the John A. Moran Eye Center, shares six simple things you can start doing now to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.“Most vision problems we see every day are influenced by habits people can change,” says Rothchild. “Small steps really can make a big difference over time.”
1. Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage
Spending time outdoors is great for your overall health, but too much sun exposure can harm your eyes. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can increase your risk of developing cataracts earlier in life and contribute to other sun-related eye conditions.It’s even possible to sunburn your eyes, a painful condition called photokeratitis that can cause redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light. Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays whenever you’re outside—even on cloudy days. Adding a wide-brimmed hat can give you extra protection.“UV damage builds up over your lifetime—even on cloudy days,” says Rothchild. “Protecting your eyes early really matters.”
2. Reduce Eye Strain from Screens
Digital screens can make your eyes feel dry, tired, or blurry—especially after long periods of use. This is often called digital eye strain, and it’s becoming more common.A simple way to help is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eye muscles a chance to relax and helps reduce fatigue. You can also adjust your screen brightness and remember to blink more often
3. Eat Foods That Support Eye Health
Your diet plays an important role in keeping your eyes healthy. Certain nutrients help protect your eyes from damage and may lower your risk of eye disease over time.Focus on foods like leafy greens, fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and fruits and vegetables high in vitamins A, C, and E. Eating a balanced diet supports both your vision and your overall health.“What’s good for your body is good for your eyes,” says Rothchild. “Nutrition is an important part of protecting your vision long term.”
4. Get Regular Eye Exams
Many eye diseases develop slowly and don’t cause noticeable symptoms at first. By the time vision changes occur, the condition may already be more advanced.Regular, dilated eye exams can help detect problems like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease early—when treatment is often most effective. Even if your vision seems fine, routine checkups are an important part of preventive care.“The biggest risk with many eye diseases is that you won’t notice them early,” says Rothchild. “That’s why routine exams are so important.”
5. Manage Health Conditions That Affect Your Vision
Your eye health is closely connected to your overall health. Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in your eyes and lead to vision problems.Managing these conditions with your health care provider can help protect your eyesight. Staying on top of medications, diet, and regular checkups makes a real difference
6. Don’t Ignore Changes in Your Vision
If something doesn’t seem right with your vision, it’s important to get it checked. Even small changes can be a sign of a more serious issue.Watch for symptoms like blurry or double vision, flashes of light, floaters, eye pain, or sudden vision loss. Getting care quickly can help prevent further damage and improve outcomes.“Sudden changes in vision should never be ignored,” says Rothchild. “Getting care quickly can make a real difference in outcomes.”
Comprehensive Eye Care at the Moran Eye Center
Taking care of your eyes doesn’t require major changes—just consistent habits and regular care.If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, now is a great time to schedule one
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