Eye health is often overlooked by most people. Many take their eyes for granted until problems arise. But they are one of the most important parts of our bodies, responsible for how we perceive and interact with people and the world around us. And many factors in our modern lifestyles can negatively impact our vision and eye health, from excessive screen time to pollution and lack of sleep.

Even if you have perfect eyesight and no health issues whatsoever, it’s important to focus on looking after your eyes now, to prevent issues later down the line. To get you started, here are five top tips to maintain your eye health.

Limit screen time

Screens, whether from smartphones, TVs or computers, are one of the worst things for eye health. Staring at devices causes you to blink less, drying out your eyes and causing strain. It’s hard to cut screen time if you work with computers, but taking regular breaks is a very effective strategy. Try to follow the 20-20-20 rule, which states that every twenty minutes you should look at something twenty feet away for twenty seconds. Set an alarm or use a specific app to help you remember. This habit will reduce excessive screen time and help to protect your eyes going forward.

Keep your eyes hydrated

Dry eyes can cause discomfort and blurry vision, and can be caused by a range of factors including screen use, air conditioning, and wearing contact lenses. If you regularly experience dry eyes, keeping your body well hydrated and making an effort to blink more can help. Using lubricating solutions such as Hycosan Extra eyedrops can also help relieve dryness and keep your eyes comfortable throughout the day.

Eat eye-friendly foods

The food you eat can have a big impact on the health of your eyes. Certain nutrients, such as lutein, Vitamin A, and Omega-3 are all important for ocular health, and by including more of them in your diet you can increase the longevity of your vision. Eat more foods such as carrots, leafy greens, eggs and oily fish for maximum impact. As a general rule, it is good to follow a balanced diet and limit any unhealthy foods.

Protect your eyes from UV light

Regular and persistent exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause long term damage to your eyes and vision. This is usually caused by spending too much time in bright sunlight. Protect yourself from these effects by wearing sunglasses with UV protection, spending more time in the shade, and wearing hats as an additional preventative measure. Remember that it’s important to protect yourself all year round, not just in summer.

Get regular eye check ups

Routine eye exams are important for early detection of issues like glaucoma or changes in vision. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear, as it’s always better to catch problems as soon as possible. If your vision is currently fine, an annual check up should be enough to keep things ticking over.

Follow these five tips and you will enjoy healthy eyes and perfect vision well into your later years.