Here are some eye health tips for a good start in 2024:

• Eat well for your eyes.

  A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and eggs can provide essential nutrients for your vision. Some of the eye-friendly vitamins and minerals include vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids. These can help prevent or delay age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts.

• Quit smoking or avoid second-hand smoke.

  Smoking can damage the blood vessels in your eyes and increase your risk of developing eye problems such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and dry eyes. If you smoke, try to quit as soon as possible. If you don’t smoke, avoid exposure to second-hand smoke, which can also harm your eyes.

• Wear sunglasses and protective eyewear.

  The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can harm your eyes and cause conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and eye cancer. To protect your eyes from UV damage, wear sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays whenever you are outdoors. You should also wear safety glasses or goggles when working with hazardous materials, playing sports, or doing DIY projects to prevent eye injuries.

• Give your eyes a break from screens.

  Staring at a computer, phone, or TV screen for too long can cause eye strain, blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain. To keep your eyes healthy and comfortable, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. You should also adjust the brightness, contrast, and distance of your screen to suit your eyes, and use artificial tears or eye drops if your eyes feel dry.

• Exercise regularly

  Physical activity can improve your blood circulation, which can benefit your eyes by delivering more oxygen and nutrients to them. Exercise can also lower your eye pressure and reduce your risk of developing glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve. Aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or jogging are recommended for eye health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week

• Visit your optometrist regularly.

  Having regular eye exams is the best way to detect any changes in your vision and catch any eye diseases early. Your optometrist can also check your eye pressure, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and advise you on how to care for your eyes. Depending on your age, health, and family history, you may need to have an eye exam every year or every two years