Love Your Eyes This February: Simple Habits for Lifelong Vision Health

February is often associated with love and heart health, but it’s also the perfect time to show some love to your eyes. Your vision plays a role in nearly everything you do, and a few simple daily habits can help protect it for years to come.

Here are easy, practical ways to care for your eyes and support lifelong vision health.

1. Make Annual Eye Exams a Priority

Even if your vision feels fine, regular eye exams are essential. Comprehensive eye exams do more than check your prescription, they can detect early signs of eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease, often before symptoms appear.

Think of your eye exam as preventive care for both your vision and your overall health.

2. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens

Between work, phones, and streaming, our eyes work overtime. Too much screen time can lead to digital eye strain, dry eyes, headaches, and blurry vision.

Try the 20-20-20 rule:

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Blinking more often and adjusting screen brightness can also help keep your eyes comfortable.

3. Keep Your Eyes Hydrated

Dry, irritated eyes are common — especially in winter when indoor heating lowers humidity. Staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and talking to your eye doctor about artificial tears or dry eye treatments can make a big difference.

If dryness is persistent, it may be more than just seasonal and worth addressing with your eye care provider.

4. Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays

UV damage doesn’t stop in the winter. Sun exposure can increase the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions year-round.

Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, and wear them anytime you’re outdoors...even on cloudy days.

5. Fuel Your Eyes with the Right Nutrition

What you eat matters for your eyes. A balanced diet rich in leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, and colorful fruits and vegetables supports eye health and may reduce the risk of age-related eye conditions.

Good vision starts from the inside out.

Show Your Eyes Some Love

Caring for your eyes doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, consistent habits can go a long way in protecting your vision for the future.

This February, make eye health part of your self-care routine, your eyes will thank you.

If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, now is a great time to schedule one.