Your vision helps you navigate and understand the world around you and perform essential daily tasks, so it’s important to take care of your eyes. From annual exams to adjustments in your routine, maintaining your eye health doesn’t have to be difficult. The following do’s and don’ts will help you get started on the path to optimal vision care.

Do:

Have annual exams.

Even if you’ve never been diagnosed with a vision problem, it’s essential to schedule regular exams to have your eye health evaluated. Eye exams help the doctor assess your visual acuity and the physical condition of your eyes and make notes on anything that may pose a problem later. Most doctors recommend having an exam every one to two years.

Practice smart screen habits.

When you work at a computer and unwind with a favorite movie or TV show, it’s easy to spend most of the day staring at a screen. Digital eyestrain can cause headaches, dry eyes, and pain, so it’s crucial to practice good habits when spending time in front of the screen. If your job or hobbies involve screen time, make sure to blink frequently and take a break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, which allows your eyes to refocus.

Don’t:

Read in the dark.

Reading can be good exercise for your eyes and mind, but it’s important to do it in a well-lit room. Trying to read in the dark can cause undue stress on your vision, leading to eye pain and headaches. If you use a tablet for reading, look for an app or built-in setting to reduce blue light, which has been linked to vision problems like macular degeneration.

Stare at the sun.

You’ve probably heard you’re not supposed to look at the sun during an eclipse, but you should avoid staring at it altogether. Looking directly at the sun can cause solar maculopathy, which damages the retina and macula. This condition can lead to blurred vision, decreased eyesight, and headaches. Always wear eye protection like UV-rated sunglasses when you go outside.

Taking care of your vision involves making a few changes to your daily habits and talking with an eye doctor about long-term strategies to maintain your health. Northern Lights Eye Care in Anchorage, AK, offers vision services and exams to patients of all ages, including children. Whether you need a new prescription for eyeglasses or want to check on your vision health, these eye doctors have the skills and equipment to meet your needs. To learn more about this vision practice, visit their website, and call (907) 276-3937 to make an appointment.