Want to keep your eyes working well for years? Small daily choices matter. Poor blood sugar, missed eye exams, certain medications, and even how you use screens can speed up vision problems. This page gives clear, useful steps you can start using now—no jargon, just straight advice.
Some common drugs affect vision. For example, long-term hydroxychloroquine can damage the retina if not monitored, and isotretinoin (used for severe acne) often causes dry eyes and blurred vision. If you take diabetes meds like Glycomet or newer smart therapies, controlling glucose lowers the risk of diabetic retinopathy—the main cause of vision loss for many adults. Tell your eye doctor every medicine you take, including supplements. Ask if regular retinal checks are needed and how often.
Don’t stop or change prescriptions on your own. Instead, schedule a quick call with your prescriber if you notice new symptoms: flashes, sudden floaters, persistent blurriness, double vision, or eye pain. Those signs can mean problems that need urgent care.
Get yearly eye exams if you’re over 40 or have risk factors (diabetes, high blood pressure, family history). For people with diabetes, an eye exam every year or as recommended by your doctor can catch retinopathy early when treatment works best. Wear sunglasses that block UV rays whenever you’re outside—UV exposure adds up and harms the lens and retina over time.
Reduce digital eye strain: follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Adjust screen brightness and use anti-glare settings. Blink more often and consider lubricating drops if your eyes feel dry.
Contact lens wearers: follow cleaning and replacement rules. Bad lens care can cause infections that threaten vision. Never sleep in lenses unless your doctor says it’s OK.
Nutrition helps but won’t replace medical care. Foods rich in omega-3s, leafy greens, and vitamin D support eye health. If you take supplements, choose products with studied ingredients and check with your provider first—some supplements can interact with meds.
Manage chronic conditions. High blood pressure and uncontrolled blood sugar silently damage blood vessels in the eye. Simple wins: keep blood pressure and glucose in your target range, quit smoking, and stay active. These steps lower your risk of macular degeneration, glaucoma progression, and diabetic eye disease.
Know when to get help fast. Seek emergency care for sudden vision loss, new flashes of light, a curtain across vision, or intense eye pain. For slower changes—gradual blurring, reading difficulty, or worsening night vision—book a non-urgent eye exam.
Protecting vision is about regular checks, watching medicines, and daily habits. Make a quick plan today: schedule an eye exam, list your meds, and set a screen-timer. Small actions now can save a lot of sight later.
Pregnancy can do strange things to your body—including your eyes. This article breaks down how eye pressure changes during pregnancy, why these shifts happen, and what they might mean for your vision. You'll learn about possible risks, signs to watch out for, and easy ways to protect your eye health while expecting. Plus, get practical tips on managing high or low eye pressure if it pops up. Stay ahead of the curve and keep your eyes in shape during this wild ride.
Details +