Healthy vision starts with your daily habits. Whether you’re spending long hours on screens or simply enjoying life in Surrey, a solid eye care routine can help protect your vision and prevent common eye problems later in life. Understanding how to take care of your eyes every day is essential. The great news is that many effective habits are simple and manageable.
Below, your eye doctors in Surrey share science‑backed everyday tips that support clear, comfortable vision and eye health.
Why Everyday Eye Care Habits Matter
Your eyes are delicate organs that work nonstop, helping you read, drive, work on screens, and engage with the people around you. Many eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration, can develop without noticeable symptoms until they’re advanced. That’s why everyday habits and routine eye exams are so important. They help detect issues early and keep your vision at its best for longer.
1. Start with Regular Comprehensive Eye Exams
No matter how healthy your eyes feel, yearly comprehensive eye exams with your optometrist at Newton Optometry Clinic should be the cornerstone of your eye care routine. These exams go beyond vision correction. They check for diseases, assess eye muscle health, and can even reveal signs of broader health conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension.
2. Follow the 20‑20‑20 Rule to Reduce Digital Eye Strain
In today’s digital world, eye strain from screens is one of the most common complaints. Follow the 20‑20‑20 rule:
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
This simple adjustment helps your eyes relax and reduces fatigue. You can also:
- Reduce screen brightness to match your environment
- Position screens slightly below eye level
- Use anti‑glare filters on devices
3. Nourish Your Eyes with a Balanced Diet
A daily diet rich in nutrients supports eye health and reduces the risk of vision issues as you age. Key nutrients include:
- Vitamin A supports retinal health
- Omega‑3 fatty acids help prevent dry eyes
- Lutein and zeaxanthin protect against harmful light and oxidative stress
- Top eye‑friendly foods: leafy greens (spinach, kale), citrus fruits, eggs, nuts, and fish like salmon.
Eating well isn’t just good for your body it’s great for your eyes too. Be sure to check with your general medical doctor before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
4. Wear UV‑Blocking Sunglasses Daily
Sunlight contains harmful UVA and UVB rays that can damage the eyes over time. UV exposure contributes to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Even on cloudy days, wearing sunglasses that block 99–100% of UV rays helps protect your eyes.
5. Keep Your Hands and Contacts Clean
Good eye hygiene protects against common infections like pink eye. Simple daily habits include:
- Washing hands before touching your eyes or contact lens
- Properly cleaning and storing eyeglasses and contact lenses
- Never sleeping in lenses unless recommended by your eye doctor
6. Stay Hydrated & Get Enough Sleep
Adequate hydration helps maintain your natural tear film, reducing dryness and irritation. Likewise, quality sleep gives your eyes time to rest, recover, and maintain moisture levels. Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep every night to support overall eye health.
7. Protect Your Eyes During Activities
Whether you’re gardening, playing sports, or doing DIY projects, the right eye protection matters:
- Wear safety goggles for home repairs
- Use sports eyewear for athletic activities
This everyday habit helps prevent eye injuries, which are far easier to avoid than to treat.
8. Recognize Signs That You Need Care
Not all eye issues are gradual. Some symptoms mean you should call your optometrist in Surrey right away:
- Sudden changes in vision
- Persistent eye pain
- New floaters or flashes of light
- Severe redness or irritation
Your vision deserves professional attention, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.
Everyday Eye Care FAQs
Q: How often should I see an eye doctor?
Most adults should schedule eye exams at least once every 1–2 years, or more frequently if they have health conditions like diabetes.
Q: Can lifestyle habits really impact vision health?
Yes, habits like proper diet, regular breaks from screens, and UV protection all support long‑term eye health and prevent vision loss.
Your Vision Deserves Daily Care
Taking care of your eyes doesn’t have to be complicated, and everyday habits truly make a difference. From smart screen use to nutrition and regular checkups at Newton Optometry Clinic daily practices can protect your vision now and for years to come.
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule your next visit to your eye clinic in Surrey or ask us about our eye care services today.