Love Your Eyes: Habits To Protect Your Vision
- Julia Sen
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
We tend to notice our eyes only when something feels wrong – irritation, dryness, blurred vision, headaches at the end of the day. But eye health isn’t something that suddenly changes overnight. It’s shaped day by day, by habits we often don’t give a second thought.
As an ophthalmologist, I see this pattern all the time. Many eye conditions don’t begin with pain or dramatic symptoms. They develop gradually, influenced by screen use, hormones, environment, general health and how well the eyes are cared for on a daily basis.
The good news is that small, consistent habits really do make a difference.
Blink Properly – Especially On Screens
When we focus on screens, our blink rate drops significantly. This is important because blinking spreads tears evenly across the surface of the eye, keeping it hydrated and protected. Long periods of screen use can lead to dry eye symptoms, irritation and fluctuating vision.
Making a conscious effort to blink fully, and taking short breaks to look away from screens, helps restore the natural tear film and reduces strain. A simple rule is the 20–20–20 habit: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Treat Dry Eyes As A Health Issue
Dry eyes are incredibly common, particularly in midlife. Hormonal changes, heating, air conditioning, medications and contact lenses can all play a role. But it is more than just a sign of discomfort. An unstable tear film can affect vision quality, eye surface health and, if left unmanaged, lead to ongoing inflammation.
Because dry eye shows up differently in every patient – some may feel a gritty sensation, others will struggle with watery eyes, blurred vision or even headaches – it's essential to properly understand what’s going on beneath the surface. At our Worcester Clinic, our OS1000 device allows us to look closely at all the components of the eye’s surface, from the tear film to the meibomian glands, so we can pinpoint the underlying cause.
Depending on treatment options, our innovative Eye-Light combines IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) with LLT (Low Level Light Therapy) to provide an optimal, non-invasive treatment for a wide range of ocular surface conditions. We can also offer advice on daily eye hygiene, appropriate lubricating drops and targeted products from the Optase range to help restore balance.
Protect Your Eyes From The Environment
UV rays affects the eyes just as it affects the skin. Long-term sun exposure increases the risk of conditions such as cataracts and contributes to surface irritation so good-quality sunglasses with proper UV protection are non-negotiable.
Indoor environments matter too. Central heating and air conditioning dry the air, which in turn dries the eyes. Staying hydrated and being mindful of airflow direction can help reduce symptoms.
Don’t Ignore Subtle Changes
Changes in vision, increased dryness, light sensitivity or frequent headaches aren’t things to simply put up with. They’re signals that the eyes may need support. Regular eye health checks allow early changes to be picked up before they become more significant problems. This is especially important if you have underlying health conditions, a strong prescription or a family history of eye disease.
If you’d like personalised advice or are experiencing ongoing eye discomfort, a consultation at Dr Julia Sen Health & Wellness Clinic can help identify what your eyes need now, and how best to protect them for the future.
Dr Julia recommends OPTASE® eye care essentials - available buy online or from our clinic.
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