If you don’t have any vision problems, you should visit an eye care practitioner every 5-10 years during your 20s and 30s. If you don’t have any vision problems, you should visit an eye care practitioner every 2-4 years between the ages of 40 and 65. If you don’t have any vision problems, you should visit an eye care practitioner every 1-2 years after the age of 65.

Never sleep with your contact lenses in unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so. Your eyes need regular supplies of oxygen, and lenses block the flow of oxygen to the eyes, especially during sleep, so doctors recommend a normal break from wearing contact lenses for your eyes during the night. [4] X Research source Do not swim while wearing contact lenses unless you are wearing tight-fitting swimming goggles. It’s better to use prescription goggles if needed. It is fine to wear contacts in the shower providing you keep your eyes closed when you are likely to get soap or shampoo in your eyes. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer and your eye care practitioner about using the contact lenses and the solutions. One of the most important caveats is to wash your hands before handling your contact lenses.

Sleeping in your eye makeup can also cause the pores around your eyes to become clogged, which can lead to styes or (hordeolum) . A severe sty can require antibiotics or even need to be removed by a doctor. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Keep makeup remover pads near your bed for times when you are too tired to go through your nighttime cleansing routine.

Allergen-reducing eye drops work by constricting the blood flow to the cornea, which deprives it of oxygen. So while your eyes don’t feel inflamed and itchy anymore, they’re actually not getting enough oxygen from blood. That’s not ideal, because the eye muscles and tissues need oxygen to function. The lack of oxygen can even result in swelling and scarring. [8] X Research source [9] X Research source Read the labels of eye drops carefully, especially if you wear contacts. Many eye drops cannot be used while wearing contacts. Ask your eye care practitioner what kind of eye drops are okay to use with contacts.

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can harm your eyesight, protection in youth can help prevent loss of eyesight in later years. Exposure to UV rays has been linked to cataracts, macular degeneration, pinguecula and pterygium, harmful conditions for the eyes. [11] X Research source Since the damage to eyes from UV rays builds up over a lifetime, it’s important to shield children from harmful rays. Make sure your children wear hats and protective glasses when they are out in the sunlight for prolonged periods. Be sure to wear sunglasses even if you’re in the shade. Even though shade lessens UV and HEV exposure significantly, you’re still exposing your eyes to UV rays reflected off of buildings and other structures. Never stare directly into the sun even if you are wearing UV sunglasses. The sun’s rays are very powerful and can damage the sensitive parts of the retina if exposed to full sunlight.

Green tea bags may also help prevent puffiness if applied to the eyes. Soak the tea bag in cold water for a few minutes and place over eyes for 15-20 minutes. The tannins in the tea should help reduce inflammation.

Overall a good healthy, balanced diet is going to be helpful for your eyes.