There are many things you do in everyday life that can potentially harm the eyes. This could mean walk about in the sunlight without having an eyewear, smoking or continuing to wear glasses that aren’t strong enough for you anymore. Here’s 10 tips for you to help save you from having to pay for eye surgery costs:

1. Wear sunglasses outdoors: Ideally, these sunglasses should be able to block out UV rays, which could help reduce the risk of getting cataracts and other eye problems later in the future. It is recommend that you should get sunglasses that cover the sides of your eyes are well, since it has been known to cause cancers such as ocular surface squamous neoplasia if not protected. Also, ask for polarized sunglasses since these can also reduce the intensity of glare by 50%.

2. Stop smoking: Probably the hardest thing to do, if you’re a regular smoker. But smoking has been shown to increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases, not to mention other non-related eye diseases, like hypertension, increased risk of heart attack, stroke, lung cancer etc.

3. Update your prescription: It’s a good idea to see your optometrist every 2 to 3 years (sooner than 2 years if you notice changes with your vision) to make your the glasses or contact lenses you’re wearing are doing its job well. If you find yourself squinting, then it’s a good chance it’s time for a new pair of glasses, or contacts.

4. Protect your eyes: If you play sports or go outdoors often, or even simply doing household chores such as lawn-mowing or home repairs, then you should consider getting some kind of protective eye-wear just for those activities. Doing things like playing golf or riding a bike can impose certain risks on your eye, especially if something were to fling right into it. You should consider lightweight, impact resistant frames such as those made from polycarbonate or Trivex lenses. Also, 90% of eye injuries that require a visit to the emergency room could have been prevented by protective eye-wear.

5. Eat healthily: Studies have shown that diets rich with fruits and green, leafy vegetables can help improve your eyesight and can reduce the risk of eye diseases. Taking eye vitamins can also be beneficial as well. There’s a eye vitamin supplement I know that’s got 17 vitmains and minerals, such as alpha-lipoic acid, ginkgo biloba, vitamins A, C, E and more to help support vision and eye health. Check out the Ocu Plus Formula here.

6. Reduce computer strain: Computers are becoming more important in today’s society than in the past, but many don’t take the time out to relax their eyes and thus, they can experience headaches, eye strain and even nausea. You should aim to take a 15 minute break after every 1 hour of computer use and try and look into the distance. If you need to work long hours on the computer, then you should ask your doctor for special computer glasses.

7. New vision plans for 2012: It’s a new year and insurance companies are at it again! Policies can change for the better or worse but make sure they cover things like eye exams or offer big discounts on getting prescription glasses, sunglasses or contact lenses.