Many people are focused on healthy eating and exercise when establishing healthy habits in the new year. But our team at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah wants you to remember one organ that needs some healthy attention this year—your eyes! Healthy Living Includes Healthy Eyes Did you know that January is known as “Eye Care Month”? That makes January the perfect month to focus on eye health. For starters, when was the last time you had your eyes checked? A comprehensive eye exam is needed once a year. Annual eye exams can help in the early detection of certain eye conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma, which can become serious medical issues if not taken care of as soon as possible. These eye exams can also help your doctor keep track of changes in your vision. Second, if you’re in front of a computer all day, you need to protect your vision from eye strain. Eye strain can cause a number of issues throughout your day, including eye twitching, fatigue, redness and decreased productivity, among others. To help prevent eye strain, take regular breaks throughout the day. The 20-20-20 standard is a good rule of thumb—every 20 minutes, look away from your computer for at least 20 seconds, gazing at an object at least 20 feet away. Finally, if you or a loved one participate in a sport or hobby that can cause contact with the eyes, be sure to wear the proper eye gear to protect your eyes. Did your latest eye exam reveal signs of a health condition? Visit AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah for a diagnosis and treatment plan.