We are just three months into the new year so there's still plenty of time to work on your New Year's goals! Many of us make resolutions to improve our health and well-being. One part of your body you may be overlooking? Your eyes. Our eyes are one of the most delicate organ systems and it's important to take steps to protect them and keep them in good shape for as long as possible. Ready to give your eyes their best year ever? Here are some resolutions to help break your bad eye habits:

Get More Sleep

Not getting enough sleep can lead to a host of health problems in your body overall, which can lead to problems with your eyes. Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help keep your eyes happy, healthy and to lessen those dark circles!

Reduce Screen Time

With our lives tied to the internet nowadays, many of us spend hours each day staring at screens– computers, smartphones, and other digital devices, not to mention all the time spent binge-watching television. Looking too closely at these screens for long periods of time can lead to eye strain, headaches, and even nearsightedness. To protect your eyes, take regular breaks and look away from the screen every 20 minutes or so.

Stop Rubbing Your Eyes

It may feel great at the moment, but rubbing your eyes too much or too hard can actually cause damage to the delicate tissues that help you see. When you rub your eyes, you can scratch the surface of the cornea, damage or even break blood vessels or worsen any eye issues you may already have, like glaucoma. If you need to relieve stubborn eye itch or discomfort, try using artificial tears or a warm compress instead, pressing it gently over your eye area.

Wear Sunglasses More Often

SPF to skin are what sunglasses are to eyes. If you’re putting sunscreen on, don’t forget your shades, too! UV protecting lenses prevent sun damage on your eyes that can lead to issues such as corneal damage, cataracts and macular degeneration. Make sure your lenses are labeled UV 400 or 100% UV protection to ensure they’re doing the work.

Schedule A Routine Eye Exam

To be on top of your eye health, it’s important to see your eye doctor regularly so they can not only keep your prescription up-to-date, but detect early signs of eye disease or other vision problems, and provide treatment or advice to help keep your eyes healthy.

By breaking these bad habits, you can help protect your eyes and maintain good vision for years to come.