Healthy Vision Month: Tips for Maintaining Your Eye Health

Every May, Healthy Vision Month reminds us of how precious our sense of sight is. At Family Eyecare Center of Optometry in Westchester, Los Angeles, we’re here to help families stay proactive about protecting their vision—with personalized care, modern technology, and expert guidance for every age and stage.

According to the CDC, more than 12 million Americans over age 40 have vision impairment, and that number is expected to double by 2050. Many of these cases are preventable with early detection and healthy lifestyle choices. We’ve gathered some of our eye doctor’s favorite tips for preserving your eye health.

Our Insider Tips for an Eye Friendly Life

We’ve spoken to Dr. Ashcraft and gathered insider tips around the best practices for maintaining an eye friendly lifestyle – here are some of our favorite tips:

1. Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam

Prevention is better than cure and annual comprehensive eye exams are your first line of defense. At Family Eyecare Center of Optometry, we screen for:

• Refractive errors (like nearsightedness or astigmatism)
• Early signs of glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration
• Digital eye strain and binocular vision issues
• Diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy

Even if your vision seems fine, these conditions can develop without obvious symptoms until real damage sets in.

2. Eat for Your Eyes

Health is wealth and a balanced diet rich in eye-supporting nutrients can protect your long-term vision. Key eye-friendly nutrients include:

• Lutein & Zeaxanthin from leafy greens like kale, spinach and collard greens.
• Omega-3s from fatty fish such as salmon and tuna.
• Vitamin C & E from fruits like oranges and strawberries, nuts, and seeds

Our team at Family Eyecare Center of Optometry in Westchester, Los Angeles can offer guidance based on your health and family history.

3. Practice Smart Screen Habits

We know that screen time has become a massive part of our daily routines and for many of us, it’s not something we can prevent. But there is a way to manage your screen habits for good eye health. Digital Eye Strain is a common condition associated with prolonged screentime, and it affects millions of Americans. We recommend the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

We also offer blue light filtering lenses designed to ease digital fatigue—especially for kids and working professionals.

4. Protect Eyes from UV and Injury

Sunglasses that block UVA/UVB rays are a must—even on cloudy days. And if you or your child play sports, ask us about protective eyewear and impact-resistant lenses.

5. Prioritize Pediatric Vision Care

80% of classroom learning is visual, yet 1 in 4 children has an undetected vision problem. In many cases, children are diagnosed with learning disorders while battling undiagnosed vision issues – the overlap makes for a tough academic experience. Our kid-friendly exams at Family Eyecare Center of Optometry ensure your child’s eyes are healthy and developing properly.

Protect Your Peepers and Preserve Your Vision

This Healthy Vision Month, take a step toward clearer, stronger vision. Contact Family Eyecare Center of Optometry, serving patients in communities like Los Angeles, Redondo, Venice, Playa Vista and more. Book your next eye exam and explore preventive care built just for you.