Having good vision is essential for our safety, independence, and overall quality of life. That’s why it’s so important never to do anything that can harm your eyes. Below are some key tips to keep your eyes healthy now and in the future.

1. Protect your eyes from the sun

• Never look directly at the sun; it can permanently harm your eyes.
• Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays (UV 400) when outdoors.
• Remember that the eyes can get sunburned too.
• Kids should also wear sunglasses—the sun can harm eyes early in life.

2. Take good care of your contact lenses

• Take contacts out every night.
• Never sleep in contacts unless your doctor says it’s okay.
• Clean your contact lens case once a week with soap and water and let it air-dry.
• Use fresh cleaning solution—never reuse your old solution.
• Ask your eye doctor about daily disposable lenses, which are safer and easier to use.

3. Prevent potential eye infections

• Always wash your hands before touching your eyes or contacts.
• If your eye is red, painful, or has discharge, call your eye doctor.
• Treat eye infections early to avoid long-term damage.
• Do not rub your eyes. Rubbing can weaken the eye and cause real damage.

4. Take breaks from screens

• Every 20–30 minutes, look away from your screen.
• Focus on something far away to relax your eyes.
• Blink often to keep your eyes from getting dry.

5. Use safe eye drops

• Use brand-name artificial tears for dry or tired eyes.
• Avoid unknown or untrusted eye drop brands.
• You can use eye drops every 1–4 hours if needed.

6. Be healthy for better eye health

• Do not smoke—it can harm your eyesight.
• A healthy diet helps lower the risk of vision problems later in life.
• Eat green leafy vegetables and fish to support eye health.

7. Control your health conditions

• If you have diabetes, be sure to get an eye exam every year.
• Keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control.
• Some medicines can affect your eyes—ask your doctor if you need more frequent eye exams.

8. If you wear eye makeup, remove it every night

• Be sure to take off eye makeup before bed.
• Makeup left on can cause irritation, infections, or styes.
• Avoid putting makeup too close to your lash line.

9. Keep eyelids clean

• Wash your face well, especially after exercise.
• Clean eyelids with warm water.
• For lid care, gently clean along your eyelashes with a warm, wet Q‑tip.
• Avoid baby shampoo unless it’s diluted—warm water works well.

10. Get regular eye exams

• Kids should have eye exams before age 5, before middle school, and before college.
• Adults should have eye exams every 2–3 years.
• After age 65, get eye exams every year.
• If you have eye disease or health risks, you may need exams more often.