As we say goodbye to 2023 and welcome 2024, it’s time to start thinking about health and well-being. One of the most important things we can do for ourselves is take care of our eyes. If you’re looking to improve your eyesight and protect your eyes from future problems, here are 24 easy, eye-friendly New Year’s resolutions for 2024:
1. Get an annual eye exam. This is the best way to catch eye problems early on when they’re most treatable.
2. Wear sunglasses outdoors. UV rays from the sun can damage your eyes, leading to cataracts, macular degeneration and more.
3. Eat a healthy diet. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help keep eyes healthy.
4. Exercise. Regular exercise can improve blood flow to your eyes, which can protect them from damage.
5. Quit smoking. Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your eyes. Stopping will lower your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye problems.
6. Limit alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can damage your liver, which can lead to problems with your vision.
7. Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can affect your vision. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
8. Manage stress. Stress can take a toll on your health, including your eyes. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga or meditation.
9. See your doctor immediately for vision problems. Don’t ignore sudden changes in vision, such as blurriness, double vision or floaters.
10. Protect eyes from injury. Wear safety goggles when you’re working with tools, in a dusty environment or doing other activities that could put your eyes at risk.
11. Don’t rub your eyes. Rubbing your eyes can cause tiny tears to the cornea.
12. Use artificial tears for dryness. Dry eyes can be a symptom of many eye problems, so see your doctor if you experience persistent dry eyes. Artificial tears can provide relief in the short term.
13. Get regular eye checkups for your children. Children’s eyes are still developing, so have them checked regularly to get ahead of potential issues.
14. Teach your children about eye safety. Make sure your children know how to protect their eyes by modeling “good behavior.”
15. Limit time on electronic devices. Staring at a screen for too long can cause eye fatigue and dryness. Take breaks throughout the day.
16. Dim the lights when you’re using electronic devices. The glare from a bright screen can make it harder to see.
17. Make sure your computer screen is at the right height. Your computer screen should be at eye level so that you don’t have to tilt your head back or forward to see it.
18. Sit back from your computer screen. Sitting too close can strain your eyes.
19. Take screen-time breaks. Get up and move around every 20 minutes or so. This lets your eyes focus on different distances and encourages blinking.
20. Use anti-glare glasses. Anti-glare glasses can help reduce the glare from computer screens, fluorescent lights or other harsh light sources.
21. Wear polarized sunglasses for driving. Polarized sunglasses can help reduce sun glare, which can make it easier to see.
22. Use magnification when necessary. A magnifier can help you see small objects more clearly without eyestrain.
23. Get help with reading if you need it. There are many resources available to help people with reading problems, such as books on tape, talking books and electronic devices that can read text aloud.
24. Consider permanent vision correction. If you have vision problems that can’t be corrected with glasses or contact lenses—or you are ready to be free of glasses and contacts—consider permanent vision correction, such as LASIK. (Detroit patients of Lake Lazer Eye Center can also choose SMILE or PRK if LASIK is not an option) Reducing or eliminating the need for eyewear can reduce your risk of eye injuries or infection from your eyewear as well.
Ready to launch your resolutions to see more clearly in 2024? Start with a thorough eye examination and LASIK consultation with Dr. Khambati at Lake Lazer Eye Center.
Lake Lazer Eye Center offers Detroit LASIK patients up-front pricing, and convenient and affordable payment plans for SoftTouch LASIK and the SMILE procedure. Dr. Khambati has helped thousands of people from all over the world escape the restrictions of glasses and contacts through LASIK. Detroit-area patients who are not candidates for vision correction can get our assistance with a contact lens evaluation or a selection of designer and specialty eyewear.
