Your eyesight is essential, but it can be fragile, depending on how you treat it. Since it can diminish over time, do what you can to maintain it. This eye care guide will help you determine which habits to adopt and which are harmful so that you can continue seeing clearly for years.

Do:

Use sunglasses.

The UV rays in sunlight can contribute to eye disease, cancer, and other ocular issues, so invest in a quality pair of sunglasses. Choose a model that covers all of your eyes and has 100% UV protection. While many department stores carry fashionable frames, the most protective products are typically available through your eye care provider.

Be mindful of eye fatigue.

Staring at a computer screen for long periods will tire your eyes and dry them out. This will cause constant discomfort, so give your eyes a rest. To do this, look away from the computer every 20 minutes and focus your eyes on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Don’t:

Smoke.

Using tobacco products contributes to vision loss and blindness. Smokers are more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and other ocular issues. If you’re ready to kick the habit, start by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Mishandle contact lenses.

Failing to clean and store contact lenses correctly will cause bacteria to accumulate on their surfaces. When introduced to your eyes, these harmful contaminants may cause adverse reactions, like ocular inflammation and infections. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses and only store them in an approved container with a cleaning solution.

Regular visits to the eye doctor are an essential part of vision maintenance and Dr. Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates will ensure you always see clearly. Although they’re based in Honolulu, HI, Dr. Endo and his team welcome patients of all ages from across Oahu. They’ll perform an eye examination to determine your vision quality, then provide lifestyle tips on how to maintain it. To get more information about their services, visit the website or call (808) 487-5500.