# Eye Hygiene: What to Pay Attention To

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/eye-hygiene-what-to-pay-attention-to

**Author:** Sule Akyol | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-08

> **Summary:** Eye hygiene and eye health are often neglected, leading to problems such as unclear vision, watering and blurred vision. This article covers daily hygiene habits, screen use, diet and vitamins for the eyes, and which people and conditions need regular eye check-ups.

## Quick Facts
- **Check-ups without complaints:** every 2 years up to the age of forty, once a year after forty; more often if glaucoma runs in the family
- **Screen breaks:** rest the eyes every twenty minutes
- **Sunglasses:** with UV protection, in every season

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## Daily Eye Hygiene
- Attend regular check-ups.
- Protect the eyes from sunlight in summer and winter; UV rays can increase the risk of cataract and pterygium.
- Do not touch the eyes with dirty hands; wash hands often.
- Contact lens wearers: change the lens solution at the recommended intervals and keep everything clean.
- Avoid tobacco.
- Keep the right distance from screens and rest the eyes at intervals during long screen use.

Regular hygiene helps prevent eye infections.

## Screens and Dry Eye
Office workers and heavy users of computers and phones are advised to have regular eye examinations. Long screen use reduces blinking and causes dry eye and eye strain. Other major causes of dry eye: age, hormonal changes, certain medicines and problems with the eyelid oil glands. Artificial tear drops can be used where needed.

## Diet and Vitamins
A balanced diet supports eye health; vitamins and antioxidants help keep eye tissues healthy and may lower the risk of some conditions. Talk to a doctor about supplements and doses.

**Foods:** carrots and fresh carrot juice, oranges and orange juice, melon, fish, spinach, cabbage. Foods with vitamins A, C and E and omega 3 support eye health.

**Vitamins:**
- **Vitamin A:** needed for night vision and retinal function; deficiency can cause night blindness.
- **Vitamin B12:** nerve health; deficiency can affect the optic nerve.
- **Vitamin E:** antioxidant that may help protect the retina.
- **Vitamin C:** strong antioxidant for eye tissues; protection against diabetic retinopathy, however, rests on blood sugar control.
- In intermediate-stage macular degeneration, certain vitamin and mineral combinations may reduce the risk of progression.

## Dangerous Eye Conditions and Who Needs Regular Check-ups
Genetic conditions include squint, colour blindness, lazy eye, myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia; their treatment generally ends successfully. Without check-ups, conditions can become untreatable and leave permanent damage. Regular check-ups are especially important for:
- Raised eye pressure, glaucoma
- Diabetes
- Redness linked to uveitis
- Blockage of the eye's arteries and veins
- Frequent eye infections
- Previous eye trauma
- Cataract
- Macular damage, retinal detachment
- Painless sight loss

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Why does eye hygiene matter?**
A: It helps prevent eye infections and protects your vision.

**Q: What can I do to reduce dry eye?**
A: At a screen, rest your eyes every twenty minutes and use artificial tear drops where needed.

**Q: Does diet affect eye health?**
A: Yes, foods with vitamins A, C and E and omega 3 support it; this varies, so consult your doctor.

**Q: Are sunglasses really necessary?**
A: Yes, UV rays can increase the risk of cataract and pterygium; UV-protective sunglasses are recommended in every season.

**Q: How often should I have an eye examination?**
A: Even without complaints, every 2 years up to forty and once a year after forty; more often if glaucoma runs in the family.

## References
- Eye Strain and Sleepy Eyes: How to Prevent Eye Discomfort, AAO
- The Sun, UV Light and Your Eyes, AAO
- AREDS/AREDS2 Clinical Trials, NEI