Simple Daily Habits for Optimal Eye Health

Your eyes are the key to seeing the world in detail, but they face more challenges today than ever. From excessive screen time to artificial light, your eyes are subject to harsh realities. Being proactive about eye health isn’t difficult, though. It takes just a few simple steps, including seeing your medical eye doctor in Pittsburgh, PA, once a year.

Key Daily Habits

Start by developing some daily habits that support your eye health.

1. 20-20-20 Rule

The 20-20-20 rule provides a way to manage the eye strain that comes from focusing on digital screens all day long, including your phone. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen and focus on something 20 feet away. Continue to focus on that one thing for 20 seconds and then return to your screen.

2. Conscious Blinking

Blinking is one of a handful of involuntary functions that you can control if you choose to do it. As an involuntary reflex, blinking helps to lubricate the eye and protect it from debris. Conscious blinking adds a new level. With conscious blinking, you:

• Promote relaxation
• Alleviate eye strain

At the same time, you lubricate the eye and protect the surface. With conscious blinking, it’s important to close your eyes all the way before opening them again. It needs to be a complete blink to get the benefits.

3. Be Aware of the Lighting

Proper lighting can help reduce eye strain by enhancing clarity and eliminating distractions such as glare. Set lighting at a comfortable level and ensure no bright reflections prevent the eye from focusing properly.

See Your Eye Doctor

See your eye doctor in Pittsburgh, PA, at least once every two years for a comprehensive eye exam, and more often if you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye diseases.