Eye care and prevention

Protect your vision for the long term.

Good habits and regular checks prevent or slow many eye problems. This section focuses on simple, practical steps — including guides on eye exams, contact lens care, blue light and screens, and nutrition for healthy eyes.

Clinically reviewed · Last reviewed 2026-06-13

Regional eye health guides

Eye health in Indonesia Common eye burdens, WHO programmes, and when to seek care — from cataracts and glaucoma to filariasis and vitamin A. Eye health in Latin America Priorities from Mexico to Patagonia: cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, cysticercosis, river blindness, and trachoma pockets. Eye health in the United Kingdom NHS screening, high-street opticians, cataract queues, glaucoma checks, and when A&E is the right choice. Eye health in the United States Vision coverage varies by state; cataracts, glaucoma, AMD and diabetic retinopathy drive most adult eye care needs. Eye health in India Cataracts remain the top surgical cause of blindness; glaucoma, diabetes, trachoma legacy and ROP screening matter nationally.

All eye-care guides

Routine eye exams How often to have your eyes checked, what happens at an exam, and when to see an optician versus an ophthalmologist. Diabetes and your eyes Why diabetic eye screening matters, how often to attend, and what happens at screening appointments. Children's eye health Vision screening, spotting a squint, and sensible screen-time habits for growing eyes. Driving and vision How vision affects driving safety, when to get your eyes checked, and general signs that vision may not be road-safe. Sun and eye protection UV damage, choosing sunglasses, hats and WHO-aligned habits to protect eyes across a lifetime. Eye injury first aid What to do for chemical splashes, foreign bodies and blows to the eye, and when to go to A&E. Blue light and screens Evidence on blue light glasses, night mode, and whether screens permanently damage eyes. Contact lens care Safe removal, hygiene, sleeping in lenses, and why water and lenses never mix. Optometrist vs ophthalmologist Who does what, when to see each, and how referrals work. Understanding eye tests How long exams take, why pupils are dilated, and what OCT, pressure tests and visual fields involve. Smoking and eye health How smoking raises cataract, AMD and thyroid eye disease risk — and why quitting helps. Nutrition for healthy eyes Leafy greens, omega-3, colourful vegetables and when AREDS supplements matter for AMD. Low vision support Magnifiers, lighting, daily living aids and registering for sight-loss support when glasses are not enough. Pregnancy and eye health Dry eyes, prescription shifts, gestational diabetes screening and when pregnancy-related vision changes need urgent care. Global eye health Why WHO targets trachoma, river blindness and vitamin A deficiency — and how prevention saves sight worldwide. Antibiotic eye drops When clinicians prescribe antibiotic drops for bacterial pink eye, how to use them safely, and why they do not treat viral or allergic conjunctivitis. Newborn eye discharge Sticky or watery eyes in babies are common; blocked tear ducts usually settle, but redness or swelling needs prompt review. How to use eye drops Simple steps to put in eye drops safely: wash hands, one drop, avoid touching the bottle tip to your eye. Preparing for cataract surgery What to expect before cataract surgery: pre-assessment, medicines, transport home, and questions for your surgeon. Using glaucoma drops Glaucoma drops protect sight by lowering eye pressure; using them every day as prescribed is essential. Stroke and vision Stroke can cause sudden vision loss, double vision or visual field loss; emergency stroke care applies to eye symptoms too. Medications and eye health Some tablets and inhalers affect the eyes; tell your eye doctor every medicine you take, including supplements. Plaquenil and eye screening Long-term hydroxychloroquine needs regular eye screening to detect rare retinal damage early. Pink eye (conjunctivitis hub) Red, irritated eyes are usually viral, bacterial or allergic conjunctivitis — this hub helps you choose the right guide.

Everyday eye care

Small habits that add up.

How often to have an eye exam
Contact lens care and hygiene
Blue light, screens and eye comfort
Nutrition and eye health
Sun and eye protection

Across life stages

Children, adults, and older adults each have different eye care priorities, from spotting squints early to monitoring age-related changes.

Higher-risk groups

People with diabetes, a family history of eye disease, or high prescriptions benefit from more regular monitoring.

Screen habits and digital eye strain

Long hours on phones, laptops and tablets do not permanently damage most eyes, but they can cause tired, dry, burning eyes. The 20-20-20 rule, deliberate blinking, good lighting and keeping screens at a comfortable distance reduce strain. If symptoms persist, an eye test can check whether you need glasses or treatment for dry eye.

Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look 20 feet away
Blink fully and use lubricating drops if your eyes feel dry
Adjust screen brightness, font size and posture to reduce squinting
Book an eye test if strain continues despite good screen habits

Diabetes, blood pressure and your eyes

Diabetes and high blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels at the back of the eye before you notice vision changes. Regular diabetic eye screening and blood pressure control help catch problems early, when treatment is most effective. Never skip eye checks because your vision feels fine.

Attend diabetic retinopathy screening as recommended
Keep blood sugar and blood pressure well controlled
Report new floaters, blurring or distortion promptly
Ask your clinician how often you need checks if you have diabetes or hypertension

Frequently asked questions

How often should I have an eye exam?

Many adults benefit from an exam every one to two years, and more often with diabetes, a strong prescription, or a family history of eye disease. Children and older adults have their own schedules.

Does screen time damage your eyes?

Screens do not cause permanent damage for most people, but they can cause eye strain and dryness. Regular breaks, blinking, and good lighting help comfort.

Can diet protect my eyesight?

A balanced diet rich in leafy greens, omega-3s, and colourful vegetables supports eye health, alongside not smoking and protecting eyes from strong sun.

Do I need sunglasses for eye health?

UV protection matters over a lifetime. Good sunglasses that block UVA and UVB reduce the risk of cataracts and some surface eye problems. Wraparound styles and a hat add extra protection in bright sun or snow.

When should I worry about floaters?

A few long-standing floaters are common and usually harmless. Seek urgent care for a sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light, or a dark shadow or curtain over your vision, as these can signal retinal detachment.

How does diabetes affect eye health?

Diabetes can damage the retina's blood vessels, causing diabetic retinopathy that may blur or distort vision. Regular screening finds changes early, often before symptoms appear, when treatment works best.

Should I get blue light glasses?

They are optional for comfort. Screens do not permanently damage healthy eyes for most people. Breaks, blinking and correct glasses usually matter more than blue-light filters.

What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?

An optometrist provides sight tests and detects common problems in practice. An ophthalmologist is a medical eye doctor who treats eye disease and performs surgery, usually in hospital.