Good eye health doesn't require complicated routines — but a few smart habits can make a real difference in how your eyes feel day-to-day and how well they hold up over the long term. Dr. Nathan Lipe at Elite Eyecare in Nashville shares his top practical tips for protecting and maintaining your vision.
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule for Screen Time
Digital eye strain is one of the most common complaints we hear at our Nashville eye clinic, and screen time is the #1 cause. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit gives your eye muscles a chance to fully relax and dramatically reduces end-of-day fatigue and headaches.
Also: check your screen brightness. It should roughly match the ambient light in the room. A screen that's much brighter or darker than your surroundings forces your eyes to constantly readjust.
2. Don't Ignore Dry Eye Symptoms
Burning, stinging, gritty eyes, or vision that fluctuates throughout the day are all signs of dry eye disease — one of the most undertreated conditions in eye care. Many people dismiss it as minor irritation and reach for "get the red out" drops, which can actually make things worse with prolonged use.
If your eyes are consistently uncomfortable, come in for a dry eye evaluation. There are effective treatments — from the right lubricating drops to prescription options like Restasis or Xiidra — and identifying the root cause is the key to lasting relief.
3. Wear Sunglasses Every Time You're Outside
UV damage to the eyes is cumulative and irreversible. Cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium (a growth on the surface of the eye) are all linked to long-term UV exposure. You don't have to be at the beach for UV rays to be a factor — overcast days still expose your eyes to significant UV.
Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Prescription sunglasses or photochromic lenses are ideal if you wear glasses.
4. Never Sleep in Your Contact Lenses
Sleeping in contacts — even lenses marketed as "extended wear" — significantly increases the risk of serious eye infections, including corneal ulcers. Your cornea needs oxygen, and it gets most of it directly from the air when your eyes are open. Closing your eyes in contacts dramatically reduces that oxygen supply.
If you're regularly falling asleep in your contacts, it's worth talking to Dr. Lipe about daily lenses or exploring other options that better fit your lifestyle.
5. Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam Every Year
Many serious eye conditions — glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease — have no symptoms in their early stages. By the time vision loss is noticeable, significant damage has often already occurred. Annual comprehensive eye exams catch these conditions early, when they're most treatable.
A comprehensive exam is also the best way to keep your glasses or contact lens prescription current. Even a small prescription change can contribute to headaches, eye fatigue, and reduced clarity that you might not consciously notice.
6. Eat for Your Eyes
Your diet has a measurable impact on your long-term eye health. Nutrients that support eye health include omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish like salmon and sardines), lutein and zeaxanthin (leafy greens like kale and spinach), and vitamin C and E (citrus fruits, nuts, and seeds). The AREDS2 formula — available as a supplement — has been shown in clinical trials to slow the progression of intermediate and advanced macular degeneration.
7. Know When to Call Your Eye Doctor
Some symptoms warrant a same-day or urgent call to your eye doctor, not a wait-and-see approach:
At Elite Eyecare, we make every effort to see urgent cases the same day. If you're experiencing any of the above, call us immediately at (615) 249-4926.
Schedule Your Eye Exam in Nashville
Whether you're due for your annual exam, dealing with a specific concern, or just want to make sure your eyes are healthy, Elite Eyecare is here for you. We're currently accepting new patients and conveniently located in West Nashville at 5300 Centennial Blvd, Suite 107.
Book your appointment online or call us at (615) 249-4926 — your eyes will thank you.
