Whether it’s due to scheduling delays, a busy lifestyle, or financial constraints, many people go months, sometimes even years, without an eye check-up, which can lead to vision problems. And if you already have existing eye conditions, prolonged waiting periods can make them worse. 

This raises an important question: how can we care for our eyes before our next eye clinic Calgary visit?

There are practical and medically backed steps you can take to maintain eye health and reduce discomfort while waiting for your next check-up. In this article, we’ll go over these essential eye care tips to help keep your vision in good shape.

Disclaimer: This guide is intended for managing non-severe eye issues. If you experience sudden or serious symptoms, seek professional medical attention immediately.

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule for Screen Use

With more people spending hours on digital devices, digital eye strain has become a growing concern. 

Prolonged screen time can cause dry eyes, headaches, and difficulty focusing, all of which can affect daily productivity and comfort. 

One simple yet effective way to reduce eye strain is the 20-20-20 rule:

• Every 20 minutes, take a short break.
• Look at something 20 feet away.
• Focus on it for at least 20 seconds.

This easy habit helps relax the eye muscles, reduces fatigue, and prevents the discomfort that comes with extended screen exposure. 

But is there something else that you can do? In addition to this, adjusting your screen’s brightness, increasing text size, and using blue light filters can significantly reduce strain and make screen time more comfortable.

For those who experience persistent headaches, blurry vision, or ongoing discomfort despite these adjustments, it’s important to bring this up with your eye doctor during your next visit. 

2. Keep Your Eyes Hydrated

Dry eyes are a common problem, especially for those exposed to air-conditioned spaces, heated environments, or prolonged screen time. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, it can lead to redness, irritation, and discomfort. 

To manage and prevent dry eyes effectively, consider these key tips:

• Blinking spreads moisture across the eye’s surface, reducing dryness—especially during screen use when blink rates naturally decrease.
• Use preservative-free artificial tears. These eye drops provide moisture without causing long-term irritation, making them safe for frequent use.
• Add a humidifier to increase moisture in dry indoor air, and avoid direct airflow from fans, heaters, or vents that can dry out your eyes.
• Drinking enough water supports overall tear production, helping maintain a healthy moisture balance in your eyes.
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule to rest your eyes and reduce strain, which can exacerbate dryness.

But what if dryness persists despite these measures? That means it could indicate meibomian gland dysfunction or chronic dry eye syndrome. In such cases, consult your eye doctor for a thorough evaluation and targeted treatment options. 

Note: Early intervention can prevent worsening symptoms and protect your vision.

3. Maintain a Nutrient-Rich Diet for Eye Health

A healthy diet plays a crucial role in maintaining vision and preventing eye diseases. 

Certain nutrients are essential for eye function and can help reduce the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and dry eye syndrome. 

Incorporate the following foods into your meals:

• Vitamin A (carrots, sweet potatoes, eggs) – Supports night vision and helps maintain a healthy cornea.
• Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts) – Reduce inflammation and support tear production.
• Lutein and zeaxanthin (spinach, kale, corn) – Act as antioxidants that protect against retinal damage.
• Zinc (nuts, beans, beef) – Helps transport vitamin A to the retina for better low-light vision.
• Vitamin C & E (oranges, almonds, sunflower seeds) – Protect the eyes from oxidative stress.

A well-balanced diet benefits not only your vision but also your overall health, reducing the likelihood of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, which can negatively impact the eyes.

4. Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage

Sun exposure can damage the eyes over time, increasing the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea). 

Many people underestimate the importance of UV protection, but wearing UV-blocking sunglasses is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your vision.

When choosing sunglasses, ensure they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound sunglasses offer extra protection by preventing sunlight from entering from the sides. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can also help reduce direct sun exposure. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate through, so consistent protection is key.

5. Reduce Eye Strain from Reading and Close Work

Spending long hours reading or doing detailed tasks can cause focusing fatigue. Without proper precautions, you may experience headaches, blurry vision, and difficulty concentrating. 

To reduce strain:

• Make sure you have good lighting not too dim or overly bright.
• Hold reading materials at a comfortable distance (about 16 inches from your eyes).
• If you wear glasses, ensure your prescription is correct to avoid unnecessary strain.
• Consider using magnifiers or reading glasses if small print is hard to see.

In case you experience discomfort while reading or working up close, it may indicate an undiagnosed vision problem. Be sure to mention this at your next clinic visit.

6. Practice Good Contact Lens Hygiene (If You Wear Them)

Wearing contact lenses increases the risk of eye infections, particularly if they are not handled properly. 

To reduce the risk of complications, make sure follow these hygiene practices:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your lenses.
• Use the correct lens solution. Never clean lenses with water or saliva.
• Replace lenses as directed and do not wear them past the recommended time frame.
• Avoid sleeping or swimming with contact lenses unless prescribed for extended wear.
• Store lenses in a clean case and replace the case regularly to prevent bacterial buildup.

Note: Switch to glasses and seek professional advice if your lenses feel uncomfortable or your eyes appear red. 

7. Manage Allergies That Affect Your Eyes

Allergies can cause itchy, watery, and swollen eyes, leading to discomfort and irritation. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen symptoms and introduce bacteria. 

Cold compresses can provide relief, while antihistamine eye drops may help reduce inflammation. If you spend time outdoors, washing your face and hands afterward can prevent allergens from lingering around the eyes.

However, if your symptoms persist, let your eye doctor know at your next visit. They may recommend prescription-strength allergy drops or other treatments to help manage symptoms effectively.

8. Get Enough Sleep to Support Eye Health

Your eyes need proper rest to recover from daily strain. Inadequate sleep can lead to dryness, twitching, and blurred vision. 

To ensure your eyes stay refreshed:

• Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night.
• Avoid screens at least 30–60 minutes before bedtime to reduce blue light exposure.
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom if dry air is causing irritation.

If you frequently wake up with red, irritated eyes, it could indicate an underlying issue like nocturnal lagophthalmos (incomplete eyelid closure during sleep), which should be addressed by an eye specialist.

9. Be Mindful of Changes in Your Vision

While waiting for your appointment, keep track of any new or worsening symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
• Flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters, which may indicate retinal detachment.
• Severe eye pain, redness, or swelling that does not improve.
• Double vision or persistent difficulty focusing.

These symptoms could signal a serious eye condition that requires urgent care. 

If your scheduled appointment is far off, consider visiting an emergency eye care center.

10. Stay Active and Maintain Overall Health

Your overall health directly affects your eyes. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease increase the risk of retinopathy, glaucoma, and vision loss. Staying active can help maintain healthy circulation, ensuring your eyes receive adequate oxygen and nutrients.

Managing blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure through a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of vision complications. Avoid smoking, as it significantly increases the likelihood of cataracts, macular degeneration, and optic nerve damage.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your eyes doesn’t have to wait until your next clinic visit. Simple daily habits like managing screen time, staying hydrated, protecting your eyes from UV rays, and maintaining a nutrient-rich diet can go a long way in preserving your vision and preventing discomfort.

However, nothing replaces the importance of professional eye care. When it’s time for your appointment, make sure you’re in the best hands with EyeCare Plus. Our team of dedicated eye care professionals provides comprehensive eye exams, personalized treatment plans, and advanced diagnostic technology to ensure your eyes receive the attention they deserve.

Don’t wait until small issues become bigger problems, schedule your appointment with EyeCare Plus today and give your eyes the expert care they need.