Daily Eye Care & Eye Drops
Small daily habits that protect your eye health.
Written & reviewed by
Dr. Atsushi MekadaBoard-certified Ophthalmologist, The Japanese Ophthalmological SocietyLast updated:
Eye health is protected through small daily habits, built up over time. Here are some care tips you can try at home.
Managing Digital Device Use
This illustration is in Japanese.
The "20-20-20 rule" — every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet (6m) away for 20 seconds — helps rest the ciliary muscle responsible for focusing.
Blinking decreases when staring at a screen, drying your eyes out faster, so consciously blinking slowly helps maintain a healthy tear film.
Warming your eyes with a warm towel or hot compress for 5–10 minutes can help blood flow, but avoid warming if your eyes are red and feel hot — treat according to your symptoms instead.
Match screen brightness to your surroundings, and use night mode or warm color settings. Keep smartphones at least 30cm away and computer screens 40–70cm away, and avoid using a bright screen in an otherwise dark room.
Lifestyle & Nutrition
This illustration is in Japanese.
- Vitamin A (carrots, liver, etc.)
- Lutein (spinach, etc.)
- Astaxanthin (salmon, shrimp, etc.)
These nutrients are known to support eye health. Aim for a balanced diet.
Good-quality sleep helps eyes recover from fatigue, and moderate exercise improves blood flow, reducing tiredness. Ventilate rooms regularly and keep humidity around 40–60% to prevent dryness.
UV exposure isn't limited to sunny days — reflections off winter snow or water also carry UV, so make sunglasses, hats and UV-blocking lenses part of your everyday routine.
Proper Self-Care & Regular Check-Ups
This illustration is in Japanese.
How to Use Eye Drops Correctly
Usually, one drop per use is enough. After applying, close your eyes gently to let it settle. If using multiple types of drops, wait at least 5 minutes between them, and be careful not to let the tip of the bottle touch your eyelashes or eye.
Self-Massage
Gently pressing around the bone near your temples and around your eyes (without pressing directly on the eye itself), or covering your eyes with your palms to rest them, can help you relax. Placing a warm towel over closed eyelids is another option, but if you've had eye surgery or have a condition like inflammation or glaucoma, please check with your doctor first.
Caring for Children's Eyes
Encourage studying in a well-lit space, taking regular breaks, avoiding long gaming sessions, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet. Eye habits formed in childhood have a major impact on future vision.
Some eye diseases progress without symptoms, so regular eye exams — even without noticeable symptoms — support early detection and treatment.
Related Pages
Please note: This page provides general medical information and is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms, please consult a doctor.