![A woman in glasses, smiling](/sites/default/files/2021-12/Keya_0.png)
Making your eye health a priority can go a long way in promoting overall wellness. To get started, here are five things you can do right now to help keep your eyes healthy:
![eye in black and yellow](/sites/default/files/2021-12/21-0396-Icon_Eye_1.png)
Don’t leave anything to chance: get your eyes checked. This is a big one. Book a regular eye exam with an optometrist at least once every two years.
![sun in black and yellow](/sites/default/files/2021-12/New%20sun_0.png)
Soaking up some vitamin D? Protect your eyes from the sun. Stay safe by wearing a hat with a brim and choosing sunglasses that provide at least 98% protection from UV rays.
![Smartphone in black and yellow](/sites/default/files/2021-12/Phone%20with%20background%20300%20x%20315.png)
Too much screen time? Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, shift the eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This will give your eyes a chance to rest.
![Cigarette in black and yellow](/sites/default/files/2021-12/21-0396-Icons_Eye_Goggles_Cigarette_0.png)
The facts and figures don’t lie: it’s a great idea to stop smoking. People who smoke are three to four times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration. Still not convinced? Smoking is the #1 cause of significant sight loss for people over 50 in Canada.
![Ski goggles in black and yellow](/sites/default/files/2021-12/21-0396-Icon_Goggles%20400%20bottom%20and%20top%20crop.png)
Never forget eye safety. Whether you’re playing sports or working with power tools, protect your eyes with Canadian Standards Association-approved safety glasses or goggles. You can find some in most hardware and sporting-goods stores!