Your eyes play a crucial role in how you move through the world and enjoy your life, from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep.

They do the important job of capturing light. Then, different parts of the eye system (or ocular system) work together, connecting with neurons that translate and deliver messages to the brain as visual images.

For this reason, it’s important to keep your eyes healthy. Follow these simple measures to maintain good vision and enjoy lifelong eye health.

Visit your doctor for regular check-ups and for any eye problems you experience

Eye specialists are trained to determine and improve your vision with eyeglasses, contact lenses and eye exercises. They can provide total eye care, from examinations and vision correction to the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease, says ophthalmologist Michael Millstein, MD.

You should visit your optometrist or ophthalmologistfor an eye exam once every year, or if you experience eye infections or symptoms of disease such:

• Loss of or blurred vision.
• >Light flashes.
• Eye pain.
• Redness.
• Itching.
• Swelling.
• Irritation around the eye or eyelid.

Take steps to prevent disease

Eye disease is the No. 1 cause of blindness. “Most diseases that cause blindness, like glaucoma and diabetes, can be treated or slowed down if they’re diagnosed and managed properly,” Dr. Millstein says.

While there’s no cure for some eye disorders, there have been major medical advances for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. By getting regular exams and discussing your family history, you and your doctor will be better able to anticipate, prevent and treat eye disease.

Wear the right prescription lenses, or consider corrective surgery

Not wearing your prescribed eyeglasses or contacts won’t cause disease, but it can create discomfort from eyestrain, headaches or possibly even injury brought on by the lack of safe vision.

If you find wearing prescriptive lenses to be uncomfortable, ask your doctor about alternatives, like switching from eyeglasses to contact lenses or exploring corrective surgery.

Protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes from sunlight, tanning beds, black-light lamps and some other forms of light. If you’re frequently exposed to UV rays, this can lead to an increased risk of cataracts or yellow raised spots on the surface of the white of the eye, such as pingueculas and pterygiums. Eye diseases such as macular degeneration, solar retinitis and corneal dystrophies have all been linked to UV exposure.

Your eyes may be more sensitive if they’re a light color, or if you’re taking specific medications. You can protect your eyes while you’re out in the sun by wearing prescription sunglasses, clip-on sunglasses or UV-blocking contact lenses.

Wear protective gear and eyewear during work and sporting events

Wearing safety glasses and protective goggles when you play sports or work with hazardous materials lowers your risk for eye injury, vision damage and complete loss of sight.

“Being actively involved in your eye health and working with your optometrist and ophthalmologist increases your chances for maintaining good eye health and eyesight throughout your life,” Dr. Millstein says.