High blood pressure, diabetes and autoimmune diseases can put you at risk for vision changes or eye disease. Certain medications for chronic illness can lead to dry eyes or blurred vision. Antioxidant-poor diets can accelerate age-related eye issues. Systemic infections and compromised immune systems can delay recuperation in eye tissue.

Factors That Affect Eye Health:

1. Systemic Health

Conditions like Type 2 diabetes and hypertension can damage the eye blood vessels and lead to vision loss. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection. Some medications may affect vision — consult your doctor if changes occur. Eat antioxidant-rich foods (e.g., spinach, salmon, sweet potatoes) to protect against eye tissue damage.

2. Genetic Factors

A family history of eye diseases (like glaucoma or macular degeneration) increases your risk. Genetic testing can provide insight. Routine exams and healthy habits — like UV-blocking sunglasses, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking — can help mitigate inherited risks.

3. Environmental Impact

UV rays, pollution, and irritants like smoke can harm your eyes. Use UV-protective sunglasses, maintain clean indoor air, and take precautions with allergens. Blue light from screens causes strain — use filters and take regular breaks.

4. Sleep Quality

Poor sleep can cause dry eyes, blurry vision, and headaches. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep. Naps may help with fatigue, but consistent nighttime rest is key for eye health.

5. Digital Strain

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Adjust screen brightness and avoid long periods of uninterrupted screen time.

Do Eye Health Supplements Work?

Eye health supplements are commonly advertised to safeguard eyesight, decelerate age-related deterioration, and bridge nutritional deficiencies. These supplements mostly target vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds associated with eye health.

Common eye health supplements, their primary nutrients and uses according to research can be seen in the table below.

Studies have come back mixed for many eye health supplements. For instance, beta-carotene, vitamin C, lycopene and cryptoxanthin have been tested for their effect on slowing vision loss, though not all trials demonstrated definitive benefits.

Large trials such as the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that a unique blend of vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein and zeaxanthin can help delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration in at-risk individuals. The AREDS2 study subsequently revised the formula, eliminating beta-carotene and increasing lutein and zeaxanthin, which could be safer and more effective in certain populations.

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, get a lot of attention for eye health. DHA helps cell repair and can help ease inflammation in the retina, which is key as eyes get older.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids present in dark green vegetables. A few studies indicate they may help block damaging sunlight and minimize eye damage risk, but results aren’t definitive for all.

Multivitamins might help prevent eye issues caused by vitamin or mineral deficiencies in populations that don’t have access to a diverse diet.

Supplements aren’t risk-free. Certain nutrients can interact with other medications or cause side effects. So, just make sure you consult with your eye care professional before introducing any new supplement, particularly if you have underlying health issues or take other medications. A personalized plan can assist in aligning the supplement schedule to specific needs and risks.

Eat Right For Bright Sight: Simple Nutrition Tips For Eye Health

 Good eye health starts with what you eat. A nutrient-rich diet helps protect your vision and lowers your risk of common eye diseases. Here’s what to focus on:

• Fatty Fish (2–3x/week):

  Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are full of omega-3s (DHA & EPA), which support retina function and reduce dry eye and macular degeneration risk.

• Leafy Greens (daily):

  Spinach, kale, and collards are packed with vitamin C, E, lutein, and zeaxanthin—powerful antioxidants that block damaging light.

• Orange Veggies (2–3x/week):

  Carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin are rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A), which supports night vision and eye surface health.

• Nuts & Seeds:

  A small handful of almonds or sunflower seeds adds vitamin E to fight cell damage.

• Mediterranean Diet:

  This heart-healthy diet — full of olive oil, grains, veggies, fish, and nuts — is also great for your eyes.

For those at risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), ask your doctor about AREDS supplements — a blend of specific vitamins that may help slow its progression.

Eating a variety of whole foods daily is your best bet for long-term eye health.

In A Nutshell

In conclusion, maintaining good eye health requires a holistic approach that includes a balanced diet, regular eye exams, and, when appropriate, targeted supplements. While some supplements show promise—especially for conditions like AMD—they’re most effective when paired with healthy lifestyle habits. Always consult your eye care professional before starting any new supplement. Your eyes deserve personalized care for lasting vision.

Not sure which ones are right for you? Let Dr. D’Orio Eyecare help you make informed decisions. Book a comprehensive eye exam and get personalized guidance on supplements, nutrition, and lifestyle for lasting vision health. Visit drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment or call 416-656-2020 (Toronto) or 416-661-5555 (North York) to schedule your consultation today. Your eyes deserve expert care.

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1. Particles

Particles from any workplace environment can get trapped in your eye. If you work in an office, particles such as dust, dirt, or other debris might enter your eye. Even simple things like pencil shavings could accidentally enter your eye. For construction workers, the particles that enter your eye could be more harmful. For instance, wood chips, metal shavings, and pieces of cement can easily be kicked up and can lodge directly into your eye. To prevent this from occurring, always be aware of your surroundings… and if you are working at an active construction site, be sure to always wear safety goggles.

When an unknown particle becomes lodged into your eye, you might experience foreign body sensation. This symptom usually includes feeling sharp pain in your eye, along with irritation and burning. While your first reaction might be to itch your eyes, it is extremely important to resist this temptation. The first thing you need to do is wash your hands with soap and water. Once they are clean, you can clean your eye out by using artificial teardrops, saline, or if necessary, running water. If none of these solutions work, call your optometrist at your earliest convenience, so you can find an alternative solution.

2. Tools

Tools of any type can cause an eye injury to workers. Those who work in the trades are consistently using tools and machinery, which could malfunction or break. In fact, many eye injuries occur due to faulty tools. Tool injuries might be even more serious than particle injuries since tools can cause puncture wounds to your eye.

Puncture wounds from tools can be easily avoided if you are wearing the appropriate safety gear. However, if you happen to forget your protective eye gear and suffer a puncture wound from a tool, it’s crucial to take serious measures to avoid further damage to your eye. Although your eye will be irritated and itchy, do not rub your eyes! Also, never try to remove the piece of the tool from your eye, as this could cause further damage. Instead, contact your optometrist right away to set up an emergency appointment, or visit an emergency room.

3. Chemicals

Chemicals are often used on the job on a daily basis, and their toxicity can range from bathroom cleaners to deadly chemical mixtures in a lab. Wherever you work, chemicals will be present, and it is important to be aware of them. If any chemical does get in your eye, you will most likely experience burning, eye redness, and swollen eyes.

When a chemical enters the eye, it is crucial to act fast, otherwise you risk blindness or other damage to your body. Most workplaces that use chemicals daily have eyewash stations, and you should always be aware of their locations. Wash your hands thoroughly, then open your eye above the eyewash station and flush it out for 15 minutes. After this, seek medical attention immediately, so that a doctor can provide you with a diagnosis and a treatment.

If you are worried about these 3 common eye hazards in the workplace, it’s important that you wear the proper equipment to avoid getting injured. To learn more about how to handle an eye injury, contact our optometry team at Dr. D’Orio Eyecare today! We can help you understand why wearing protective eye gear is so important in the workspace. To book an appointment today, visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 416 656 2020 for our Toronto location, or 416 661 5555 for our North York location.

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1. Keep Your Eyes Shaded

The beach is the perfect destination to spend a bright, sunny day. However, while you may be looking forward to spending your time in the sun, you should ensure your eyes are protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Always wear sunglasses or a sun hat (or both!) to ensure your eyes are receiving maximum protection.

Invest in a quality pair of sunglasses with broad-spectrum protection to protect your eyes from harmful rays. Polarized lenses will also help to reduce bright reflections and glare.  A wide-brimmed hat can do double duty to further shade your eyes, while also providing additional protection to your face and neck. Wearing a hat will also shade the gap between your face and sunglasses, where even the best pair of sunglasses will let light in. Sun exposure can lead to serious eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even cancer, so it is important to keep eyes protected.

2. Avoid Sunburnt Eyes

Planning to suntan at the beach? Sunscreen is a well-known beach essential, but did you know that your eyes can also be sunburnt? While we can’t apply sunblock to our eyes, wearing sunglasses at the beach will also help you to avoid sunburnt eyes.

Common in winter, and often called “snow blindness,” sunburnt eyes can occur in the summer, especially when visiting the beach. Like snow, the white, sandy stretch of the beach can reflect and intensify the sun’s rays, increasing the risk of sunburn. Sunburnt eyes can cause pain, burning, sensitivity to light, and even temporary vision loss. While the effects of sunburnt eyes are temporary, they are still painful, and can be avoided with proper care and preparation. Keep your eyes shaded, even in overcast weather, to ensure they remain healthy and unburnt at the beach.

3. Wear Goggles when Swimming

As the day heats up, you may plan to take a dip into the water! However, if you plan to swim, it is important that you pack your goggles. Goggles can help you to see under water, preventing water from entering your eyes while you swim. No body of water is fully sterile, and water entering your eyes could contain bacteria, viruses, harmful debris, or other irritants. Goggles can protect these particles from entering your eyes. This is especially important when you are wearing contact lenses, as swimming with contacts increases the chance of infection. Whether you are swimming in fresh or salt-water, keep your goggles on to avoid eye irritations or infections, so that you can enjoy the sea life to the fullest!

4. Protect your Eyes from Sand

You may love the feel of sand under your toes, but you will not like the feeling of sand in your eyes! When at the beach, make sure that you are protecting your eyes from sand particles, which can cause both irritation and damage to your eyes. Do not touch your eyes while you are at the beach, as sand could stick to your hand and enter your eyes. Keep your sunglasses on to protect your eyes against blowing sand, and wear sports goggles to protect your eyes while you are playing beach sports such as volleyball or soccer.

If you do get sand in your eyes, do not rub them! This could cause corneal abrasions, painful damage to the surface of your eye. Instead, rinse your eyes with a saline solution or clean water to flush the particles out of your eyes. If symptoms persist, you should visit your eye care professional as soon as possible.

While the beach is a great summer activity, it is important to keep your eyes healthy to ensure a fun-filled beach day. By practicing proper eye safety, you will be preserving your sight to enjoy many beach days in your future. For more information on how you can keep your eyes healthy this summer, contact the optometrists at Dr D’Orio Eyecare. To book an appointment, visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 416 656 2020 for our Toronto location, or 416 661 5555 for our North York location.

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1. Viruses And Bacteria

Any pool of water can be teeming with viruses or bacteria. The bacteria or viruses could get behind your contact lenses, causing eye irritation, and even infection. Itching due to irritated eyes can be detrimental to your overall eye health, especially when you are wearing contact lenses. You might experience contact lens irritation, as well as increased chances of developing foreign body sensation, a feeling similar to a scratching sensation, or sand, in your eye. In extreme cases, excessive itching with contact lenses can lead to corneal abrasions.

But aren’t pools safe from bacteria? Pools may try to decrease bacteria levels by using chlorine. However, chlorine is also an eye irritant, so although you might not feel itchiness and irritation from the bacteria… your eyes might be uncomfortable due to the chlorinated water.

2. Corneal Ulcers

Corneal ulcers are open sores that form on the cornea. These ulcers can be caused by infections, but also just by wearing contact lenses for too long. If you are swimming with contact lenses in, you increase the risk of developing corneal ulcers because you are more likely to develop an infection in the water. Additionally, if you have been swimming for a long time with contact lenses in, you are also more likely to experience corneal erosion.

The symptoms of corneal ulcers are sensitivity to light, swollen eyes, and eye discharge. If you wear contacts while swimming and are experiencing these symptoms, you must seek professional help immediately as early treatment is the best way to prevent permanent vision loss.

3. Dry Eye Syndrome

While you might feel dry eyes from normal use of contact lenses, when swimming, the chances of developing dry eye syndrome increases. If you are swimming in a pool, this is often due to exposure to chlorine, which may cause burning or eye redness. Both burning and redness are dry eye symptoms.

Salt water may also cause your eyes to become dry as it prevents your eyes from naturally lubricating themselves. While people who do not wear contacts might also experience these dry eye symptoms from swimming in chlorinated or salty water, if you wear contacts while you swim these symptoms are more likely to affect you.

Swimming with contact lenses can cause many risks for your eyes, but what if you cannot see without your lenses? If you have a high prescription, it may be impossible to enjoy swimming without your contact lenses. The easiest way to avoid this is by wearing tight-fitted goggles. Goggles will allow you to see underwater, while protecting your eyes from harmful irritants. If you do not have goggles on hand, take your contacts out as soon as you finish swimming. Rinse your eyes, and if possible, put your glasses on. Finally, bring some eye drops with you when you plan to swim, so that you can lubricate your eyes after swimming. This will decrease your chance of developing dry eye syndrome.

Do you want to learn more about the risks you could experience from wearing contact lenses while swimming? If you want to learn more about how to keep your eyes healthy this summer, contact the optometry team at Dr. D’Orio Eyecare today! We can assist you with your vision needs. To book an appointment today, visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 416 656 2020 for our Toronto location, or 416 661 5555 for our North York location.

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