Every new year brings resolutions focused on well-being: exercising more, eating better, taking care of ourselves. How about adding eye health to the list this time? Our eyes work tirelessly from morning to night and deserve our full attention. Here are 5 simple and effective habits to keep your vision in top shape all year long.
1. Adopt the 20-20-20 rule
Screens have become indispensable...and our eyes feel it! To avoid digital eye strain, try this simple rule:
Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds.
This mini-break helps your eye muscles relax, reduces dryness, and decreases headaches. A small habit with a big impact.
2. Drink more water to prevent dry eyes
Good hydration benefits the whole body, including the eyes. When you're dehydrated, the tear film becomes unstable, causing dryness, stinging, and blurred vision.
Keep a bottle nearby and aim for 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Simple, but essential.
3. Protect your eyes... in all seasons
UV rays don't take a break, even in winter or on cloudy days. Wearing UV-protective sunglasses outdoors is a key reflex to prevent premature aging of the eyes, cataracts, and other eye diseases.
Bonus: if you love the snow, keep in mind that it reflects up to 80% of UV rays...one more reason to keep your sunglasses handy!
4. Eat to see better
Diet plays a major role in eye health. Add the following to your plate:
- Omega-3s (salmon, chia seeds)
- antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin (spinach, kale),
- vitamin C (citrus fruits, peppers),
- and vitamin E (almonds, avocados).
These nutrients help protect the retina, slow down eye aging, and prevent dryness.
5. Schedule an annual eye exam
Even if everything seems fine, an annual eye exam is essential for early detection of potential problems. Your optometrist can spot subtle changes, adjust your prescription, or identify early signs of eye disorders.
It's one of the simplest resolutions, and one of the most rewarding for your eyes!
Taking care of your vision doesn't require major changes: small, daily actions are enough to keep your eyes healthy. In 2026, treat yourself to a year of visual comfort, clarity, and overall well-being.
New year, new vision: your eyes will thank you.
