Sticking to a New Year’s resolution can be hard. But, MyEyeDr., a full-service optometric vision care company has easy to follow resolutions for keeping eyes healthy in 2015. General eye health is often overlooked as people resolve to eat better and move more each new year.

These resolutions can change the way you see the world:

1. Put on the shades

Sunglasses play a vital role in protecting the eye and skin around the eye from Ultraviolet (UV) light and high-energy visible light (HEV light) which can cause skin cancer, eye sunburn, cataracts and even macular degeneration. While summer is often associated with sunglass season, sunglasses are just as vital during the winter. Because the suns sits lower in the sky during the winter, it can actually cause more damage than the summer sun.

2. Eat well, see well

A diet overhaul is often already part of New Year’s Resolutions, just don’t forget your eye health. Load your grocery cart with leafy greens, nuts and shellfish to keep eyes healthy and sharp. Proper hydration also plays a critical role in preventing winter dry eye, as dry eyes can often be a sign of dehydration, so drink plenty of water.

3. Look away from the computer screen

For most, January signals the return to work after the holidays. It’s important to avoid eye strain from close work such as looking at a computer or reading. Use the 20-20-20 rule to give your eyes relief: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away or more for at least 20 seconds. This exercise forces muscles to relax and increases blinking.

4. Kick butts

Add healthy eyes to the top of your list of reasons to quit smoking. Smokers have an increased risk of dry eye, cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma and loss of vision from vascular disorders.

5. Book an appointment with a trusted optometrist

An exam can uncover information about your whole body including hidden medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. A comprehensive eye exam should be done annually to ensure healthy eyes and a healthy body. For those with financial resolutions, MyEyeDr. welcomes all vision insurance plans and helps patients get the most for every dollar their vision plan provides.

“New Year’s Resolutions are a great way to start fresh and make decisions that improve your life,” said Dr. Albrecht, optometrist and director of professional services for acquisitions at MyEyeDr. “At MyEyeDr., we understand the importance of healthy vision for work, play and life. We’re ready to help our patients fulfill their New Year’s Resolutions so they can see well and look great in 2015.”

MyEyeDr. makes vision health attainable and uncomplicated for any individual by accepting all vision insurance plans and providers. Glasses, contacts and even prescription sunglasses are also a great use for Flexible Spending Account dollars which are often lost between January and March.