How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy for Life

**How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy for Life**

Your eyes are your window to the world, and keeping them healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a straightforward guide to protecting your vision every day.

**Shield your eyes from the sun**
Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays whenever you’re outside—even on cloudy days. UV exposure can harm your eyes over time, increasing risks like cataracts[1].

**Follow the 20-20-20 rule for screens**
Staring at phones or computers too long? Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This reduces eye strain and keeps your vision comfortable[5].

**Don’t rub tired eyes**
Rubbing can scratch your cornea or spread germs from dirty hands, leading to infections like pink eye[1]. If they itch or feel dry, use lubricating drops instead.

**Wash hands before touching eyes or contacts**
Germs on fingers can cause serious infections, especially for contact lens wearers (nearly half of users develop issues)[1]. Scrub with soap for at least 20 seconds first.

**Remove makeup nightly**
Sleeping with mascara or eyeliner can clog glands and cause irritation or inflammation[1]. Use gentle removers and replace old products every few months.

Eat **eye-friendly foods**: Load up on leafy greens (spinach), colorful fruits (oranges), and fatty fish (salmon). These provide vitamins A, C, E, and omega-3s that protect against age-related damage[5][4].

Stay active: Regular exercise improves blood flow to the retina and lowers risks of conditions like diabetes that harm vision[4][5]. Even a daily walk helps!

Get checkups: Visit an eye doctor yearly—they spot early signs of glaucoma or macular degeneration before symptoms appear[3][5]. Mention any sudden vision changes immediately.

By making these habits part of your routine now, you’ll enjoy clearer sight—and fewer problems—for decades ahead!