May is Healthy Vision Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our eye health. Good vision is vital to your overall wellness, and taking simple steps now can help preserve your sight for years to come.

Here are 7 simple tips to keep your eyes healthy:

1. Schedule an annual eye exam: Regular checkups with an eye care professional are essential—even if your vision seems fine. These exams can detect vision correction needs and catch early signs of eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration.
2. Wear UV-protective sunglasses: Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet exposure.
3. Use protective eyewear: Whether you’re playing sports, working with tools, or doing chores at home, safety glasses can help prevent serious eye injuries.
4. Practice the 20-20-20 rule: To reduce eye strain from screens, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Your eyes will thank you.
5. Eat for your eyes: A diet rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and nutrients like lutein and omega-3s can support long-term eye health. Leafy greens, carrots, citrus fruits, and fish are great choices.
6. Know your family history: Many eye conditions are hereditary. Sharing your family’s eye health history with your doctor can help guide early detection and prevention.
7. Take care with contact lenses: Always wash your hands before handling contacts, and clean them as directed to avoid eye infections.

Healthy eyes mean a healthier you—so make vision care a priority. Share these tips with friends and family to help them protect their sight, too.

Need to find an eye doctor?

Visit cecvision.com/search to locate a CEC provider near you.

Information received through CEC vision care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

CEC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vision Service Plan.

Sources: American Optometric Association (AOA), American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), The Vision Council (TVC), National Eye Institute (NEI), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).