Important eye care habits professionals should practice in 2025 and beyond

With the new year in full swing, you may be working hard to stick to your resolutions and goals, whether it’s exercising more, eating healthy, saving money, and much more. For your professional life, you may be prioritising working towards a promotion you’re aiming for, getting more organised and productive, or quickly hitting your targets and quotas. However, whether it comes to your wellness or work, you may be neglecting an important aspect of both: eye care. Maintaining eye health is essential for work and everyday life, but many people lack the right habits.

In the UK, 90% of adults consider vision to be their most important sense, but 53% expect to experience a form of sight loss in the next decade. This 2025 and beyond, make eye health a priority for comfort and clarity that can keep you productive and comfortable at work. Here are some eye care habits professionals should practice:

Schedule an eye test

Routine eye tests ensure that eye conditions are spotted in the early stages for prevention and treatment or that vision changes are tracked effectively for accurate correction. It’s ideal for adults to get them done at least every two years, but 19 million UK adults risk their vision outcomes by not having them done on schedule. As a professional, your eye health is crucial for clarity and comfort at work, especially since screens have become more integral to many jobs.

Scheduling an eye exam can help you ensure your eyes and vision are in good condition and address any issues that arise. Fortunately, they’re more accessible than ever since you can get them done at pharmacies like your local Boots or at eyewear retailers. You can also check if you’re eligible for a free eye test funded by the NHS. Vision Direct notes that you’ll be asked questions to see if you’re qualified, but if not, you can also inquire about discounts and vouchers that can reduce costs. By finding affordable and nearby locations to get an eye test, you’ll be more comfortable having your eyes checked regularly or as often as needed. If you haven’t scheduled an eye test appointment, the new year is the best time to start and ensure regular visits.

Get quality sleep

Sufficient, restful sleep can be hard to come by when you’re busy with work, but maintaining a proper sleep schedule is paramount to healthy eyes and overall well-being. While sleeping, your eyes get refreshed and rehydrated to recover from the day’s activities. Poor sleep habits can lead to dryness, redness, blurry vision, twitching, eye fatigue, and many more issues that can affect your performance at work and comfort in your daily life.

Unhealthy sleeping patterns can even increase your risk for glaucoma, a common cause of vision loss and blindness. In 2025, prioritise getting enough good quality sleep to maintain eye health. Aim to sleep for seven to eight hours a night and try to go to sleep at the same time every night as much as possible. A wind-down routine can help you relax if you have trouble falling asleep; this can consist of activities like a warm bath, stretching, or reducing your screen time before bed. These habits can help create a sense of regularity and make your eyes feel more rested when you wake up.

Limit your alcohol intake and stay hydrated

Heading to the pub after a long day of work may be something you look forward to on a regular basis, but just a couple of drinks may already affect your eyes. Drinking on an empty stomach, drinking too fast, or drinking excessively can cause more alcohol to be absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to dehydration. If you’re dehydrated and aren’t drinking enough water regularly, this can contribute to dry eyes and eye strain. For better eye health and improved well-being, it is better to reduce your alcohol intake to promote hydration. Reduce your visits to the pub or stick to water when dining out. Bringing a reusable water bottle to the office can also help you take quick sips throughout the day. If you plan on drinking, stay responsible by limiting your number of drinks to two at the most or eating beforehand. Ensure you drink water throughout the night to stay hydrated.

Caring for and investing in your eye health will benefit your sight and well-being in the long term. Not only will you enjoy more comfort and clarity while working, but you’ll also be able to prevent conditions and enjoy healthy eyes even after your time as a professional.