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What Can I Do To Keep My Eyes Healthy?

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A woman smiling and making a heart shape with her hands, and the heart is surrounding her eyes

Your eyes are a valuable asset, allowing you to experience the world. What do you do to keep them healthy? Taking proactive steps toward caring for them can help keep them healthy and your vision protected. 

Many ways you keep your body strong also work for your eyes, like exercising and getting enough sleep, but it’s also essential to take extra steps specific to your eyes, like wearing sunglasses or limiting screen time

Whether young or old, taking care of our vision is a priority. It’s never too early—or late—to start taking good care of your sight.

Wear Sunglasses When Outside to Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays

When you think of sun protection, sunglasses may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But, excessive exposure to UV light without proper eye protection can lead to serious long-term damage to your vision. 

Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and can also reduce glare and improve visual clarity. 

It’s important to wear sunglasses whenever you’re outside, even on cloudy days, to keep your eyes safe and healthy. So, remember to grab a pair of shades the next time you step outside.

Eat a Well-Rounded, Nutritious Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for overall well-being. We must include specific nutrients in our meals to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals. 

Omega-3, vitamin A, and lutein are 3 beneficial nutrients for our bodies:

  • Omega-3 can be found in fish, nuts, and seeds and has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve heart health. 
  • Vitamin A, found in colorful fruits and veggies, is essential for healthy vision and immune function. 
  • Lutein, found in leafy greens and eggs, supports eye health.

Incorporating these nutrients into your meals provides various health benefits and adds delicious flavors and textures to your plate.

A woman gets her eyes examined by an optometrist

Get Regular Eye Exams 

Many eye conditions progress without noticeable symptoms, making routine eye exams essential for protecting your eye health and vision. These exams check if you need glasses and help detect eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and underlying health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. 

Early detection is vital when treating these conditions, and regular visits to your eye doctor can save your vision and prevent further damage. 

Limit Screen Time

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to find ourselves glued to screens for hours. Electronic devices have become fixtures in our lives, from laptops for work to phones for social media and TV for entertainment.

However, staring at screens for long periods can negatively affect our health, such as eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns. It’s important to remember to take breaks and limit screen time to avoid these issues. 

Instead of scrolling through social media, try taking a walk or reading a book. Your eyes and the rest of your body will thank you.

Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep is crucial to our overall health, and new studies have shown just how important it is for our eye health. It’s recommended that adults get between 7–8 hours of sleep each night, which helps our eyes repair and rejuvenate. 

Without enough sleep, our eyes can become dry, itchy, and prone to irritation. And lack of sleep can lead to problems like eye twitches and vision issues. So, make sleep a priority in your life. 

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise is not just important for getting toned or staying fit, but it can also benefit our eye health! 

Exercise improves blood flow throughout the body, including to the eyes, which can reduce the risk of eye strain and other health conditions. Simple exercises like going for a walk, practicing yoga, or even doing eye stretches can all make a difference in maintaining healthy eyes. So, take a break and get moving next time you’re feeling bogged down by screen time!

Time to Make Eye Care an Essential Task

Our eyesight is vital for our everyday lives, so taking measures to protect our eyes is essential. Make sure to follow up on these recommendations and make eye care a priority. Contact Great Hills Eye Care to schedule an appointment!

Written by Dr. Drew Provost

Dr. Drew Provost grew up in Atlanta, GA, and earned his bachelor’s degree studying sociology and microbiology at the University of Georgia. He then obtained his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. He completed 2 rotations at The Eye Center in Memphis with concentrations in ocular disease, pediatric optometry, and contact lenses. He completed a private practice internship in Marietta, GA, focusing on advanced contact lens fitting and primary care.

More Articles By Dr. Drew Provost
  • Over 40,000 of your neighbors have chosen us for their eye care.
  • 98% of our patients would refer us to others

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Drew Provost

Clinic Director/Founder

Dr. Drew Provost received his bachelor’s degree studying Sociology/Microbiology from the University of Georgia followed by his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry.

Dr. Raymond Carneglia

Optometrist

Dr. Raymond Carneglia received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin followed by his Doctor of Optometry Degree from Nova Southeastern College of Optometry.

Dr. Kelsey Tillotson

Optometrist

Dr. Kelsey Tillotson earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Houston. She then attended the University of Houston School of Optometry, where she obtained her Doctor of Optometry degree.

Dr. Ashish Patel

Optometrist

Dr. Ashish Patel earned his Bachelor of Science in biology from Texas A&M University in College Station. He then attended the University of Houston School of Optometry, where he obtained his Doctor of Optometry degree.

Dr. Monica Do

Optometrist

Dr. Monica Do attended the University of Texas at Austin where she obtained her bachelor’s in biology followed by her Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Houston College of Optometry.

Dr. Marcia Truong

Optometrist

Dr. Marcia Truong attended San Jose State University where she obtained her bachelor’s in chemistry followed by her Doctor of Optometry degree at Illinois College of Optometry.

Dr Emily Janak

Dr. Emily Janak

Optometrist

Dr. Emily Janak received her bachelor’s in biomedical sciences and nutritional sciences from Texas A&M University. She then obtained her Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Houston College of Optometry.

Our Locations

North Austin

Find us conveniently located attached to the Costco just off Research Boulevard. Feel free to park anywhere in the Costco parking lot.

  • 10401 Research Blvd, Suite A
  • Austin, TX 78759

Hours of Operation

  • Monday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM 4:00 PM

Pflugerville

Our Pflugerville location is attached to the Costco at the corner of Highway 130 and Kelly Lane. Give us a call if you have any trouble finding us.

  • 1901 Kelly Lane, Suite A
  • Pflugerville, TX 78660

Hours of Operation

  • Monday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM 4:00 PM

Georgetown

Find us conveniently located attached to the new Costco just off I-35 . Feel free to park anywhere in the Costco parking lot.

  • 2201 I-35, Ste A
  • Georgetown, TX 78628

Hours of Operation

  • Monday: 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM 6:30 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM 4:00 PM
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