New Year's Resolutions for Good and Healthy Vision

Daydreaming is now expressly permitted. Active breaks are essential as eyes are strained by constant near work on the computer and other screens. The 20-20-20 rule is an easy-to-remember exercise for the eyes: Look away from the screen every 20 minutes and focus on something at least 20 feet (or 6 meters) away for 20 seconds. So, sit back and let your gaze wander into the distance. 

Blinking happens quite automatically and has a practical function. Our eyelids distribute tear fluid on the surface of the eye every time we blink to keep it moist and prevent the cornea from drying out. In daily life, we blink about 15 to 20 times per minute. When we focus on the computer or television, we blink less frequently. Burning, itching, or dry eyes are often the result. Blinking ten times in succession can provide relief.

Especially in the present time, regular hand washing and disinfection are crucial. However, viruses and bacteria are also present on eyeglass lenses and can survive on surfaces for hours. That's why it's essential to clean your eyeglasses regularly. 

Eyes get tired very quickly if they constantly have to compensate for contrasts. That's why it's crucial to have sufficient lighting at home, at work, and in all other instances where your eyes may be under some sort of strain, such as when reading in bed. A classic table or bedside lamp with a small light source looks pretty but usually increases the contrast. It is better to use lighting solutions that distribute sufficiently bright light throughout the room. If working from home, workstations should be ideally located in front of a window so the eyes can wander into the distance.

When it comes to UV protection for the eyes, most people think of sunglasses in the summer first. But UV radiation is present wherever there is sunlight, including in the shade and on cloudy days, no matter what time of year it is. Luckily, full UV protection is also available in clear lenses. At ZEISS, it comes standard with every clear lens from 2018. For the new year, check if your everyday glasses also have UV protection. It’s an effortless way to protect yourself from eye health risks like cataracts.

Many people probably already have this resolution in the back of their minds. But getting out and enjoying the fresh air by walking is essential for physical fitness and good, healthy vision. A walk can help relax overtired eyes. If a short exercise session outdoors is not possible, don't forget to ventilate the room! Especially in the cold season, many rooms are also overheated and lack humidity.

There’s a well-known suspicion that people exposed to blue light from screens and monitors just before bed have trouble falling asleep or complain of poor sleep quality. A part of blue light impacts our circadian rhythm, synchronizing the biological clock and controlling the wake-sleep cycle. The light intensity of smartphones and digital devices influences sleep patterns. Before going to bed, simply set your smartphone and tablet aside in time. You can find out more about this topic here.

The visual performance of the eyes usually changes gradually and often unnoticed. That is why it is crucial to have your eyes tested regularly. The ZEISS Online Vision Check examines vision in five different tests and thus provides an initial indication of how sharp vision, color, and contrast perception are. Following each vision check, users receive information on where to find the nearest expert. After all, no online tool can replace a visit to an experienced eye care professional.

The most urgent reason for visiting an eye care professional is acute symptoms. In addition, regular check-ups are recommended every one to two years. You can find ZEISS specialists nearby here. 

In summary: You probably won’t have to put all nine resolutions into practice in 2022 but it’s the first step in becoming aware of the eyes' health and the importance of vision. And on this note, ZEISS wishes you a happy new year!