As we move into a new year, it’s the perfect time to commit to eye care habits that will protect and preserve our vision for years to come. At Dr. Sam Dhaliwal & Associates, also known as SD Eyecare, we believe that healthy vision comes not only from occasional care but from consistent, everyday practices along with regular professional check-ups. By combining good screen hygiene, proper lighting, and routine eye exams, you can reduce eye strain, prevent long-term damage, and keep your eyes comfortable no matter how busy life gets.
Why Healthy Eye Habits Matter
Even if your vision feels fine, many eye conditions develop gradually and without obvious symptoms. That’s why routine comprehensive eye exams are so important. At SD Eyecare, our comprehensive exams go beyond just measuring your prescription. We can assess eye coordination, depth perception, colour vision, eye pressure, and screen for serious conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration or retinal issues.
Regular checkups can help detect problems early, when treatment is most effective. Waiting until vision worsens can make treatment harder, and some conditions may progress silently. By combining good everyday habits with professional care, you give your eyes the best chance at healthy vision long-term.
Everyday Practices to Protect Your Eyes
With so much of our time spent looking at phones, tablets, computers, and TVs, digital eye strain is common. To reduce fatigue and dryness, one thing you can do is try following the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can give your eyes a chance to relax, re-focus, and reset.
Increasing screen time often goes hand-in-hand with posture problems and neck strain, which can add pressure on your eyes and overall comfort. Regular breaks help mitigate this and make your daily routine much gentler on your eyes.
Use Proper Lighting and Reduce Glare
Working or reading under harsh lighting or in dim rooms can force your eyes to work harder. Wherever possible, choose natural or soft ambient light rather than harsh overhead lights. Position screens or reading material so that light doesn’t reflect directly off the surface, as glare can cause eye fatigue, headaches, or blurred vision.
If you work in front of screens regularly, consider adjusting brightness and contrast to comfortable levels and reducing blue light exposure in the evening. These small tweaks help your eyes relax and reduce stress over time.
Stay Hydrated and Blink Regularly to Avoid Dry Eye
Dry environments, prolonged screen use, and certain lifestyle factors can contribute to dry eye. These include irritation, redness, or a gritty sensation that can make vision uncomfortable. One of the simplest healthy habits is to blink frequently when using screens, and to make sure you stay hydrated. Blinking helps spread natural tear film, while water supports overall lubrication and eye comfort.
If dryness persists, SD Eyecare offers specialized dry eye assessments and treatments to help manage symptoms and protect your long-term eye health
Why Regular Eye Exams Should Be Non-Negotiable
Even with the best daily habits, professional checkups remain essential. SD Eyecare’s comprehensive eye exams don’t just check for vision clarity: They can evaluate overall eye health. That includes testing for eye pressure issues, retinal health, coordination, depth perception, and screening for serious conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.
For children, regular exams can help detect early vision problems that can affect learning and development later down the line. For adults and seniors, these exams are vital for catching age-related changes or chronic eye conditions before they compromise sight.
Final Thoughts
Healthy vision isn’t a one-time effort: It’s a commitment to consistent habits and regular care. By adopting practices like screen breaks, proper lighting, hydration, and regular comprehensive eye exams, you set yourself up for stronger, clearer eyesight throughout the year.
If you’re due or overdue for an eye exam, or if you’re experiencing dryness, eye strain, or discomfort, now is a great time to schedule a visit with SD Eyecare. Contact us today to book an appointment at our Westmount Vision Care facility, and let’s make this year the one where you truly prioritize your vision and give your eyes the care they deserve.