Why You Should Be Thinking About Eye Health in Your 20s and 30s

Eye health may not seem like a top priority in your 20s and 30s, but the habits you build now can significantly impact how your eyes look and feel in the years to come. Just as with skincare, starting early helps protect against environmental stressors, digital strain, and early signs of aging. Here’s why eye care deserves a spot in your routine and some simple ways to preserve your eye health now.

Why Eye Health Matters Early

Daily life in your 20s and 30s often involves long hours in front of screens, busy schedules, and outdoor exposure—all factors impacting eye health. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, contributing to dryness and irritation (American Optometric Association). Environmental stressors like UV rays and allergens also affect the eyes, leading to signs of aging, such as fine lines and puffiness.

Starting an eye care routine early helps support your eyes’ natural hydration and protection against these stressors, keeping your eyes comfortable now and in the future.

Simple Tips for Maintaining Eye Health in Your 20s and 30s

1. Prioritise UV Protection
   UV exposure ages the eyes and can harm the eye area’s skin. Wearing UV-rated sunglasses and applying SPF around the eyes protects delicate skin from damage (Mayo Clinic). Check out our blog onhow to choose the best sunglasses.

2. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
   To manage screen strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This habit reduces eye strain and keeps your eyes comfortable (American Academy of Ophthalmology).

3. Stay Hydrated
   Hydration is essential for your eyes as well as your skin. Drinking water throughout the day keeps your eyes naturally hydrated, while reducing caffeine and alcohol helps prevent dryness.

4. Remove Eye Makeup Gently
   If you wear eye makeup, gentle removal prevents irritation. Use a mild eye makeup remover that doesn’t tug at the eye area, keeping skin around the eyes healthy and reducing the risk of blocked oil glands.

5. Visit an Optometrist Annually
   Regular check-ups are vital for preventative eye care, even without symptoms. Experts recommend an annual optometrist visit to monitor eye health, identify early signs of conditions, and keep your vision clear (American Optometric Association). (Blog: Five Little Known Reasons to Visit an Optometrist)

6. Get Quality Sleep
   Your eyes need rest to recover. Adequate sleep reduces puffiness, alleviates dryness, and maintains a refreshed appearance. Lack of sleep can contribute to tired, strained eyes, so make sleep a priority.

Investing in Eye Health for the Future

By prioritising eye health in your 20s and 30s, you’re creating a foundation for lasting comfort and vitality. Simple habits like UV protection, regular hydration, and routine check-ups can make a real difference in how your eyes age and perform over time. Starting these practices now means you’ll enjoy brighter, healthier eyes today—and keep them that way well into the future.