With the new discoveries nowadays of harmful rays we are more careful than ever when it come to protecting our eyes. Here are some ways to be sure your eyes stay healthy throughout your lifetime (considering how much you need them)!

1. Invest in a pair of good-quality sunglasses. Your eyes are worth it. Polarized (selectively blocks direct sunlight and its reflections) sunglasses are better than merely dark sunglasses.

2. Never stare into direct sunlight or at any object reflecting the sun's rays. (Shiny metallic objects, sand/water, etc.)

3. Even if you're wearing sunglasses, never look directly at the sun.

4. It is also important to not stare into darkness; this can damage your eyes as well. Be sure to either close your eyes or use a flashlight in the dark.

5.Go to your doctor and get a vision test approximately every 6 months.

6. Use eye drops as directed for itchy, watery, dry, or red eyes. See a doctor if you think you may have pink eye.

7. Protect your eyes from eye strain when at the computer or watching television. If you are watching t.v., you are at a good distance from the screen. As for computer, try to stay at a distance (which might help to reduce, avoid or mitigate nearsightedness over time), be sure to keep blinking, and look away every now and then. A laptop should be on the lap or some distance away on a low desk, slid back on a desk, or on a keyboard drawer, not close in front of the face lying prone on a bed. A separate monitor should be toward the back of a desk, with the keyboard at the front edge of the desk or in a keyboard drawer. A bigger monitor and bigger font size is good for this.

8. When reading keep some distance from a book, which might reduce strain or mitigate nearsightedness. Propped up on the lap such as with aid of a pillow, or on a low desk propped at an angle on something, is good. A computer can be better for reading in that it holds itself up.

9. LCD monitors are less harsh to look at than CRT monitors.

10. If using a CRT monitor ensure the refresh rate is set well above 60 Hz, for instance at 85 Hz.

11. When doing anything that may get particles or fumes in your eyes, be sure to wear protective glasses/goggles. Ensure that there is a water source nearby to wash out contaminants that do get in the eyes. Do not wear contact lenses in these situations as they can hold contaminants in.

12. Wear goggles in the pool to prevent the chemicals they clean the pool with out of your eyes.

13. Clean those eyes. If anything that isn't completely sterile/clean gets in your eyes, flush them with water immediately.

14. Be sure to get plenty of sleep so your eyes don't strain to stay open during the day.

15. Never rub your eyes. This is what normally causes eye infections, because the bacteria on your hands/fingers get between your eyelids.