Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate the people you love—but don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. This year, why not treat your eyes to some extra attention? Healthy vision is a gift that lasts a lifetime, and these habits can help you protect it.
Here are 10 simple lifestyle tips to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.
1. Choose Eye-Friendly Foods
Fill your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, along with omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin, are especially good for your eyes. A balanced diet supports both overall health and a lower risk of eye disease.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water each day keeps your body—and your eyes—hydrated. Proper hydration helps prevent dry eye symptoms. If plain water feels boring, try adding a squeeze of lemon or enjoy herbal teas for variety.
3. Keep Moving
Regular exercise supports healthy circulation, which benefits your eyes as well as the rest of your body. Cardio activities like walking, cycling, or swimming can help lower eye pressure and improve blood flow to the retina and optic nerve.
4. Quit Smoking
Smoking increases your risk of sight-threatening diseases such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. It also reduces the nutrients your eyes need to stay healthy and can worsen dry eye symptoms.
5. Practice Safe Makeup Habits
If you wear eye makeup, keep it clean and safe. Wash brushes and applicators regularly, throw out expired products, avoid applying makeup inside your lash line, and always remove it before bed. Never share cosmetics to prevent eye infections.
6. Wear Sunglasses Year-Round
UV rays can damage your eyes even on cloudy days. Choose sunglasses with 100% UV protection and wear them whenever you’re outdoors. Keep a pair by the door or in your bag so you’re always prepared.
7. Protect Your Eyes from Injury
Whether you’re playing sports, doing yard work, or tackling a home project, wear protective eyewear with impact-resistant lenses. Most eye injuries are preventable with the right safety gear.
8. Know Basic First Aid for Eye Injuries
Accidents can happen despite precautions. If you or someone else sustains an eye injury, seek professional care immediately. Prompt treatment can make a big difference in protecting vision.
9. Prevent Digital Eye Strain
Prolonged screen use can cause dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps relax your eyes and reduce strain.
10. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Routine comprehensive eye exams allow your optometrist to detect changes in your vision and catch early signs of eye disease. Annual visits are one of the best ways to protect your long-term eye health.
From all of us at Dr. Cheryl Letheren & Associates in London, Ontario, we wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day—and healthy vision all year long.
Q&A With Our Eye Doctor in London, Ontario
Q: What’s the difference between an eye exam and a vision screening? A vision screening is a quick check of visual acuity, often done at schools or workplaces. A comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist includes testing visual function, checking the health of the eye’s structures, and detecting potential diseases.
Q: How often should I have an eye exam? Most adults benefit from yearly exams, though your optometrist may recommend more frequent visits based on your age, vision history, or health conditions.
Q: Can diet really make a difference in eye health? Yes. Nutrient-rich foods help protect against certain eye diseases and support overall eye function.
Q: Are sunglasses necessary in winter? Absolutely. UV rays reflect off snow and ice, making winter sun protection just as important as in summer.