Your eyes do a lot of quiet work for you every day. Taking care of them now can make a real difference in how well you see—and feel—later in life.

In the U.S., nearly 93 million adults are at high risk for serious vision loss, yet only about half see an eye doctor regularly. The good news? Many eye problems are preventable, and small daily habits add up.

Everyday Habits That Support Healthy Vision

• Eat with your eyes in mind
  Nutrients matter. Leafy greens, citrus fruits, and omega-3–rich foods like salmon and other oily fish help protect eye tissue and support long-term vision.
• Wear sunglasses—every season
  UV exposure increases the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions. Choose sunglasses that block 99–100% of UV rays, and wear them year-round, not just in summer. This is especially important near water, where sunlight reflects intensely. increases the risk of cataracts and optic nerve damage. If quitting feels overwhelming, support helps—many people succeed with structured programs and medical guidance. It’s never too late to benefit.
• Take a break from screens.
• Screens aren’t going away, but eye strain doesn’t have to be constant.Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Even better—swap a nighttime show for a book once in a while
• Schedule regular eye exams

Eye exams aren’t just about glasses. They can catch early signs of conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetes-related eye damage—often before symptoms appear.

Common Habits That Can Strain or Damage Your Eyes

• Too much screen time: While screens don’t usually cause permanent damage, they can lead to eye strain, headaches, and visual fatigue.
• Skipping sunglasses: UV exposure adds up over time and raises the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
• Not getting enough sleep: Sleep is recovery time for your eyes. Chronic sleep deprivation can increase pressure in the eyes and raise glaucoma risk.
• Poorly managed diabetes: Uncontrolled blood sugar is a leading cause of vision loss—but managing diabetes significantly reduces that risk.

When to Seek Professional Eye Care

Most adults should see an eye doctor once a year, even if their vision feels fine. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat eye conditions, prescribe corrective lenses, and perform procedures like cataract surgery and lens replacement. Small, consistent habits—nutrition, protection, rest, and regular checkups—are some of the most powerful tools for preserving your vision.