Your eyesight is one of your most valuable assets — but are you protecting it? As any eye doctor will tell you, maintaining healthy vision for a lifetime requires care and attention. Sadly, 80% of all vision impairment cases globally are thought to be preventable. Learn what you can do to keep your peepers in top form.

5 Vision Care Tips Your Eye Doctor Wants You to Follow

1. Wear Sunglasses

The sun’s ultraviolet rays can be harmful to your eyesight, as exposure to UV rays has been linked to cataracts and macular degeneration. Wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection to block these rays. Ideally, look for wrap-around styles that also prevent light from coming in from the sides.

2. Quit Smoking

As if you needed another reason to quit, it also increases your risk of cataracts, which can lead to long-term vision loss. On a day-to-day basis, cigarette smoke also dries out your eyes. This makes you more susceptible to itchiness and redness.

3. Eat Right

A well-balanced diet is important for your eye health — not just your general physical well-being. Stock up on foods packed with anti-oxidants and protein, like kale and beef, which encourage circulation and tissue regeneration. Vitamin C found in citrus fruits can also help maintain healthy vision, as it helps the body’s connective tissues, including collagen found in the cornea.

4. Take Blink Breaks

From long days in front of the computer screen to an endless night of TV binge-watching — beware of activities that require you to look at one spot for an extended period. In doing so, your body often “forgets” to blink, resulting in dry eyes. Take breaks to rest your peepers.

5. Visit Your Eye Doctor

Your eye doctor can catch signs of some ailments, like glaucoma, well before you notice any symptoms. This is why regular eye checkups are a must. Regular baseline eye exams are recommended for normal-risk individuals after age 40. If you have a family history of ailments like cataracts, your eye doctor might recommend regular checks sooner.

It’s essential to have an eye doctor on call that you trust for any concerns or emergencies. For comprehensive vision care services in Fairbanks, AK, look to West Valley Vision Center. These eye doctors offer various services, from prescription glasses fittings to Lasik eye surgery. Since 1994, they have provided their patients with reliable and friendly care. Find out more about their experience online. For an appointment, call (907) 479-4700.