•Dr Priscilia Imade
In this new year, routine eyecare is mandatory for everyone. This is a follow up to last week discussion. Good eye practice is how you intentionally use, protect, and care for your eyes every day. It goes beyond occasional eye checks and becomes a disciplined way of living. When you practice good eye habits consistently, you reduce strain, prevent avoidable eye problems and preserve clear, comfortable vision over time.
Good eye practice you should embrace in this new year include:
1. RESPECT YOUR EYES AS A VITAL ORGAN
Begin by acknowledging that your eyes are not expendable tools but vital organs that deserve care and attention. Avoid taking your vision for granted.
You understand that vision loss often happens gradually and by the time symptoms are obvious, damage may already be advanced. Good eye practice starts with respect.
2. USE YOUR EYES WISELY
Consistently avoid overworking your eyes. Balance near tasks such as reading, phone use, and computer work with regular breaks. Avoid prolonged staring and give your eyes opportunities to relax by looking into the distance. Ensure adequate lighting when reading or working, avoiding both glare and dim conditions.
3. AVOID HARMFUL EYE PRACTICES
Do not rub your eyes, even when they itch or feel tired. Avoid sharing eye makeup, towels, or personal eye items. Stay away from unprescribed eye drops, traditional remedies and self-medication.
You must understand that what goes into your eyes must be safe, appropriate and professionally recommended.
4. PROTECT YOUR EYES FROM INJURY
Take eye safety seriously in all environments. Use protective eyewear during sports, mechanical work, chemical handling, and dusty conditions.
You are aware that many eye injuries are preventable and that a single accident can permanently affect vision. Protection is part of good eye practice, not an afterthought.
5. MAINTAIN CLEAN AND HEALTHY EYE HABITS
Keep your hands clean before touching your eyes or face. Remove eye makeup properly and avoid sleeping with it on. Keep contact lens care meticulous if you use them, following cleaning, storage and replacement instructions strictly.
You must understand that eye infections often result from poor hygiene, not bad luck.
6. SEEK PROFESSIONAL EYECARE PROMPTLY
Do not ignore eye symptoms such as pain, redness, sudden vision changes, double vision, flashes of light, or persistent discomfort. Seek professional eye care promptly rather than waiting for the problem to resolve on its own.
You need to understand that early intervention often prevents serious complications.
7. FOLLOW PROFESSIONAL ADVICE CONSISTENTLY
When an eye doctor gives instructions, you follow them carefully. You should wear prescribed spectacles as recommended. You should use medications exactly as directed and complete treatment courses fully.
You attend follow-up appointments, knowing that monitoring is a key part of good eye care practice.
8. SUPPORT EYE HEALTH THROUGH LIFESTYLE CHOICES
You support your eyes with healthy living. You eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, manage stress, and prioritise adequate sleep. You reduce habits that harm your eyes, such as smoking and excessive alcohol use.
You recognise that what benefits your general health also benefits your vision.
9. PRACTICE EYE CARE ACROSS ALL AGES
Ensure that children develop good eye habits early, including outdoor play, controlled screen use and regular eye examinations. As an adult, you adapt your eye care habits to work demands and aging changes.
You need to understand that good eye practice evolves but never stops.
CONCLUSION
Finally, make good eye practice a daily commitment because good eye practice is not occasional or reactive. It is a daily commitment to seeing well and living fully. When you care for your eyes intentionally, you protect your independence, productivity and quality of life.
Your vision supports everything you do and through good eye practice, you preserve it for the future.
*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.
