As our global population continues to grow, so does the number of people affected by vision problems. According to The Lancet, nearly 895 million people worldwide may develop eye conditions by 2050 — a staggering 150% increase in just 30 years.
If you’re in your 20s or 30s, your eyes probably feel strong and healthy, and vision problems may seem far away. But this is actually the best time to start protecting your eyesight. Many serious eye diseases develop silently over time, and most are preventable with early care and healthy habits.
At Shah Eye Center, we want to help you protect your vision today — so you can see clearly for decades to come. Here are 11 simple steps you can start now:
1. Know Your Family History
Some eye conditions, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, can run in families. If a close relative has one of these conditions, your risk increases significantly.
➡️ Ask your parents or grandparents about their eye health.
➡️ Share this information with your ophthalmologist during your annual exam.
Early awareness and regular checkups can help prevent vision loss through early detection and treatment.
2. Always Wear Sunglasses Outdoors
UV rays from the sun can damage the cornea and lens, leading to cataracts and eye cancers.
✔️ Choose sunglasses that block 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays.
✔️ Wear them even on cloudy days — UV light penetrates through clouds.
3. Protect Your Eyes at Work
Whether you spend your day looking at a computer or working with tools, your eyes need protection.
💻 For screen users: follow the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
🦺 For physical jobs: wear safety goggles when handling tools, chemicals, or construction materials.
Over 90% of workplace eye injuries can be prevented with the right protection.
4. Protect Your Eyes When Playing Sports
Sports like basketball, racquetball, and baseball cause thousands of eye injuries each year.
🏈 Wear sports goggles or visors designed for your activity to reduce your risk.
5. Care for Your Contact Lenses
Improper handling of contact lenses can lead to serious infections.
- Wash your hands before touching lenses.
- Never sleep, shower, or swim with contacts in.
- Remove them immediately if you experience redness, pain, or blurry vision.
If you have persistent irritation, contact Shah Eye Center to schedule an exam.
6. Don’t Share Makeup
Eye makeup can easily spread bacteria or viruses.
- Replace mascara and eyeliner every three months.
- Apply makeup outside the lash line.
- Remove it completely before bed.
If your eyes become red or swollen after using a product, stop using it and see your eye doctor.
7. Expect Eye Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause blurry vision or dry eyes — both normal and usually temporary.
However, if you have diabetes during pregnancy, your eye risk increases.
Make sure to have your eyes screened early and follow up after your baby arrives.
8. Eat Well and Exercise
Your diet and activity level directly affect your eyes.
🥦 Eat fruits, leafy greens, and foods rich in omega-3s.
🏃 Exercise regularly — even 30 minutes, five times a week — to lower your risk for glaucoma and macular degeneration.
9. Stop Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading preventable causes of vision loss. It increases your risk for cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and AMD (age-related macular degeneration).
Even secondhand smoke can cause dry eye and other irritation.
10. Keep Health Conditions Under Control
Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can silently damage the eyes.
Diabetic eye disease remains one of the most common causes of preventable blindness.
If you have a chronic condition, stay consistent with your medications, and schedule annual comprehensive eye exams at Shah Eye Center.
11. Learn What “Normal” Aging Looks Like
Not all vision changes mean disease. Around age 40, most people develop presbyopia, or difficulty focusing on nearby objects — that’s normal.
However, if you notice persistent blurriness, dark spots, or distortion, it could be something more serious like AMD or glaucoma.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a baseline eye exam at age 40, or sooner if you have symptoms or a family history of eye disease.
👩⚕️ Protect Your Future Vision — Starting Today
Vision loss is not inevitable. By adopting these habits early, you can dramatically reduce your risk of eye disease later in life.
At Shah Eye Center, our team of ophthalmologists and optometrists provides comprehensive care — from routine exams to advanced treatments for LASIK, cataracts, glaucoma, and more.
Schedule your eye exam today and take the first step toward a lifetime of healthy vision.
📍 Mission | McAllen | Rio Grande City | Weslaco | Brownsville
📞 (956) 583-0202