Vision is the most dominant of all the senses, helping humans navigate, understand, and find meaning in the world. For this reason, eye problems can have a serious impact on a person's life and comfort. Taking care of your vision is a fundamental component of health, and there are several everyday steps you can take to help. Here’s a closer look at the most important.

Easy Ways to Maintain Vision & Eye Health

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Spending time in front of electronic screens has become unavoidable in the modern world. Since people depend on devices for both work and leisure, severely restricting or eliminating screen time is not very feasible. Instead, follow the 20-20-20 rule to minimize the impact of the potentially eye-damaging blue light that screens emit. Whenever you're working in front of a computer monitor, look up every 20 minutes at an object at least 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds. Focus on the object and blink as needed. This simple action rests and "resets" the eyes.

2. Wear Sunglasses

Invest in a good pair of sunglasses and wear them whenever you go outside during daylight hours. To avoid eye problems and provide the highest levels of protection, choose sunglasses that block 100 percent of harmful UV rays. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially during the peak daylight hours of 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., consider purchasing wraparound sunglasses for a more comprehensive, all-around protection.

3. Use Artificial Tears

There are several factors that can cause the eyes to dry out, including environmental conditions, frequent contact lens wear, certain prescription medications, aging tear ducts, and an eye problem called dry eye. Artificial tears are helpful for keeping the eyes moisturized. This additional lubrication will make them more comfortable and reduce itchiness, redness, and irritation.

Another pro-tip: Visit an eye doctor at least once a year. The optometrists at Progressive Vision Group provide a range of eye care services to the Guilford County, NC, area, including exams and assessments, prescription glasses, and contacts. They can also diagnose and treat a variety of eye problems. To request an appointment, call (336) 841-2028 or visit them online today.