5 Tips for Everyday Eye Health

Did you know that blue light can be the most damaging to your eyes? That’s because it has the shortest wavelength of all visible light and carries the most amount of energy. After enough exposure, blue light packs enough punch to cause glare and reduce your ability to see contrast. Sunlight is our biggest source of blue light, with digital screens coming in at a close second. Here’s what you can do every day to help keep your eyes in tip-top shape.

• Wear sunglasses. Sunscreen isn’t just for your skin! Your eyes can burn too, which is why it’s important to wear shades that block both UVA and UVB rays. Long-term exposure can have permanent effects like cataracts and irreversible retina damage.


• Eat your reds, yellows and greens. Carotenoids are pigments that give fruits and vegetables their vibrant red, orange, yellow and green color. And because they are on the opposite spectrum of the color wheel, they can help protect your eyes from blue light. Time to load up on carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers and dark, leafy greens!


• And antioxidants, too. Recent studies have shown that antioxidants can have a positive effect on preventing eye disease and cataracts. Give your eyes an antioxidant boost with combo of vitamins C and E, either with a balanced diet or with a supplement.


• Follow the 2/15 rule. If you’re like many Americans who use a computer at work every day, be sure to give your eyes some time away from the screen. Reduce eye strain by taking a 15-minute break for every two hours in front of a computer.


• Schedule an exam. Routine eye exams aren’t just good for updating a vision prescription. A trip to the optometrist can also help prevent and correct many eye diseases and disorders like glaucoma.