•Dr Priscilia Imade
Happy New Year to all our readers. As you step into 2026, your eye care routine must evolve with your lifestyle, work demands, and increasing screen exposure.
Good vision is not accidental, it is intentional. When you care for your eyes daily, you protect not just sight, but comfort, productivity, and long-term quality of life.
Take note of the following new year routines:
1. START WITH AWARENESS:
Begin this new year by recognising that your eyes are under constant demand. Screens, artificial lighting, pollution, stress and poor sleep all affect how well you see and feel.
In 2026, you no longer wait for pain or blurred vision before acting. Pay attention to early signs such as eye strain, headaches, dryness, redness or difficulty focusing and you respond promptly.
2. COMMIT TO REGULAR EYE EXAMINATIONS:
In this new year, make comprehensive eye examinations a non-negotiable part of your routine. Even when your vision feels “fine,” you understand that many eye conditions develop silently. You schedule at least one full eye check each year and more often if advised.
You must trust professional assessment rather than self-diagnosis, knowing that early detection preserves vision.
3. PRACTICE SMART SCREEN HABITS:
In this new year, consciously manage your screen time. Apply the 20–20–20 rule: every 20 minutes, you look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Adjust screen brightness, contrast and font size to reduce strain. You position screens slightly below eye level and avoid prolonged use without breaks. Your eyes are tools, you give them rest.
4. PROTECT YOUR EYES FROM ENVIRONMENTAL HARM:
In this new year, protect your eyes the same way you protect your skin. You wear quality sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors. In dusty, windy, or chemically exposed environments, use protective eyewear. Understand that damage from UV light and environmental exposure accumulates over time, and prevention today safeguards your vision tomorrow.
5. MAINTAIN EYE COMFORT AND HYGIENE:
In this new year, keep your eyes comfortable by blinking consciously, especially during screen use. Stay hydrated and manage dry environments with proper ventilation or humidification. Avoid rubbing your eyes and maintain clean hands.
If you use contact lenses, you follow strict hygiene rules, never cutting corners with cleaning, storage or replacement schedules.
6. NOURISH YOUR EYES THROUGH LIFESTYLE CHOICES:
In this new year, support your eye health through balanced nutrition and healthy living. Include foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids.
Prioritise sleep, knowing that your eyes repair and recover during rest. Reduce smoking and excessive alcohol intake because you understand their long-term impact on vision.
7. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR EYE-RELATED CONDITIONS:
In this new year it is your responsibility to take care of your eye health.
If you have refractive errors, glaucoma, diabetes or other eye-related conditions, you stay compliant with treatment and follow-up. You do not skip medications or appointments. Ask questions when unsure and report changes promptly. You understand that consistency, not convenience, protects your sight.
8. MODEL GOOD EYE CARE FOR OTHERS:
In this new year, lead by example when it comes to eye health. Invite members of your family and friends to have their eyes checked this year. You lead by example. Whether at home, work, or in public, demonstrate good eye care habits.
Encourage children, colleagues and loved ones to value their vision. You understand that eye health awareness multiplies impact beyond yourself.
Finally, in this new year, embrace eyecare as a lifelong discipline. In 2026, eye care is no longer occasional, it is intentional and routine. You must understand that seeing well supports how you work, drive, read, connect and enjoy life.
By caring for your eyes daily, you protect your independence, confidence and future.
Your eyes serve you every day. In return, you choose to serve them well. Make a commitment to good eye care routine in this new year.
*Dr Priscilia Imade is CEO, Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. E-mail: moderneyecliniclagos@gmail.com
Another edition of the column returns on Monday in The Frontier.
