Bright eyes, clear vision: 7 Easy tips for healthy eyes

Your eyes help you take in the world – from reading to driving to scrolling through your phone. But how often do you actually think about protecting them? At Tomlinson Optometrists, we believe great vision starts with simple habits. Here are 7 practical tips to keep your eyes healthy for the long run.

1. Have regular eye exams

Routine eye tests are essential, even if your vision seems fine. Many conditions, like glaucoma or macular degeneration develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Regular check-ups help detect problems early, when treatment is most effective. Kids should have annual eye exams and adults every 1–2 years. If you’re over 60 or managing a condition like diabetes, book an eye exam once a year.

2. Eat eye-friendly foods

What you eat affects your vision. Load up on:

·        Leafy greens (spinach, kale)

·        Carrots and sweet potatoes

·        Fish like salmon or sardines

·        Eggs, citrus fruits, and nuts.

These foods are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that protect your eyes from age-related decline.

3. Protect your eyes from the sun

Just like your skin, your eyes are vulnerable to UV damage. Wear sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, even on cloudy days. A wide-brimmed hat adds extra defense when you're outdoors.

4. Take screen breaks

Digital screens are a part of daily life, but they can cause eye strain, headaches, and dryness. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6 m) away for 20 seconds. It gives your eyes the rest they need.

5. Keep it clean

Good hygiene can help prevent infections:

·        Wash your hands before touching your eyes or inserting contact lenses.

·        Never share makeup, eye drops, or towels.

·        Replace old mascara or eyeliner regularly.

6. Watch your health

Your eyes often reflect your general health. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and auto-immune diseases can harm your vision over time. Stay on top of your health and tell your optometrist about any changes.

7. Know the warning signs

Don’t ignore signs like sudden blurry vision, light flashes, eye pain or frequent headaches. These can signal issues that need urgent care.

More than just eye tests

At Tomlinson Optometrists, we offer more than just glasses or contact lenses. If you or your child are experiencing vision difficulties due to learning challenges, eye strain or after-effects of a concussion, we also provide advanced treatments like vision therapy and syntonic phototherapy or light therapy. These treatments help improve how your eyes and brain work together, enhancing focus, comfort, and performance.

Make an appointment with us today:

Visit us: 278B Main Road, KenilworthCall: 021 797 7291WhatsApp: Click hereBook online: https://bit.ly/tomlinsonbookinglinkEmail: kenilworth@visualcare.co