Overview

The following tips can help you keep your eyes healthy and your vision as clear as possible.

• Provide good light for reading, work, or study.

  Use soft background light, plus a light on your task.

• Take regular breaks from close work and visually demanding tasks.

  Blink often, and close and rest your eyes when they feel tired or dry.

• Avoid glare on TV and computer screens.

  Place your TV or computer screen where lights do not reflect on the screen. Some people find it easier to work on a computer in a dimly lit room. And some people use special non-glare screens that fit over the computer screen.

• Wear proper eye safety equipment for hazardous tasks.
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes.

  Wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes from excessive ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. Too much UV exposure can damage your retina (Figure 1) and cause lasting vision loss. It can also raise the risk of cataracts.

• Avoid smoke and other things that irritate your eyes.
• Get routine eye exams from an eye doctor.

Figure 1 - Eye structures and vision

In a normal eye, light passes through the pupil and is focused by the lens onto the retina at the back of the eye. The retina converts light into electrical impulses that are carried to the brain. The brain interprets the impulses as visual images.

One part of the retina—the macula—provides sharp, clear central vision that allows a person to see form, colour, and detail that is directly in the line of sight.

Current as of: September 27, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.