Your eyes are one of the most important parts of your body. They are the predominant way in which you experience the world and take in information. You use them for pretty much everything you do in life, including reading, observing body language, and keeping yourself safe from your environment.

But as you get older, it’s common for your eyesight to decline. Your vision can deteriorate with age, perhaps requiring you to wear glasses or contact lenses. This is perfectly normal, but it is crucial that you take care of your eyes as best you can while you are young. They are incredibly delicate organs, and it is easy to neglect them. There are so many things in your environment that can harm your vision, such as excessive screen time, exposure to the sun, or even the chemicals present in our toiletries.

To help you maintain your good vision well into later life, it is prudent to be careful about how you treat your eyes. Here are four great habits you should stick to.

Limit screen time

In this day and age, limiting your screen time is easier said than done. We all know we spend far too much time on our computers and phones, but the truth is, they are essential for huge parts of our lives. If you work in an office-based job, you will probably find yourself staring at a screen all day, and this can have hugely negative impacts on your vision over time. It can cause you to blink less, leading to dry eyes and faster eyesight deterioration. Mitigate these effects by taking regular breaks from the screen to stand up and look out of the window. Avoid sitting too close to your computer and try to spend less time on your phone when you are not working.

Eat a healthy diet

The food you eat plays a huge part in your overall eye health. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acid, found in oily fish, can ward off degenerative sight problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. A well-balanced diet also reduces your risk of obesity and diabetes, which is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. 

Reduce exposure to the sun

UV rays from the sun are one of the biggest contributors to sight problems in adults. Although hot weather is lovely, it can take a toll on your vision if you’re not careful. When spending time outdoors in summer, always make sure you are wearing a quality pair of UV-blocking sunglasses. And if you already wear spectacles, you can order prescription glasses online that will protect you from the sun without compromising your vision.

Get regular checkups

The only way to really keep track of your eye health is to visit an optician once a year. They will be able to inspect your eyes and let you know of any potential issues. Your eye doctor will not only be able to identify vision degeneration, but also signs of other diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and more.