Did you know that your eyes work harder than ever before?

Between screen time, reading, driving, and work, our eyes are constantly focusing for long hours without rest. No wonder so many people experience dry eyes, fatigue, and even fine lines around the eyes.

The good news? There are simple daily habits you can adopt to keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.

Did You Know?

The average person blinks 15-20 times per minute, but when looking at screens, this drops to just 5-10 blinks per minute, leading to dry eyes.

7 Simple Habits for Better Eye Health

1. Give Your Eyes a Break

Your eyes need regular rest to stay healthy.

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• This helps relax eye muscles, reduce strain, and prevent dryness.

2. Blink More Often

When we focus on screens, we blink less, which leads to dry eyes and irritation.

• Make a conscious effort to blink more often to keep your eyes moist and refreshed.

3. Use Eye Drops When Needed

If you experience dry eyes, artificial tears can help relieve discomfort.

• Choose preservative-free eye drops for better long-term protection.

4. Pay Attention to Lighting

Poor lighting can cause eye strain and fatigue.

• Make sure your workspace and reading areas are well-lit.
• Avoid working or reading in dim light for long periods.
• Use “night mode” on your phone or computer in the evening to reduce blue light exposure.

5. Eat Eye-Healthy Foods

Good nutrition is essential for maintaining strong vision.

• Consume foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which are critical for eye health.
• Eat leafy greens, colorful vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds, and drink plenty of water.

6. Wear Sunglasses with UV Protection

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal damage.

• Always wear high-quality sunglasses that block 99%-100% of UVA and UVB rays whenever you’re outdoors.

7. Get Regular Eye Exams

Routine eye exams are crucial for detecting problems early.

• Even if you don’t have any symptoms, visit an eye specialist at least once a year to check for early signs of vision issues.

Conclusion

These simple daily habits can make a big difference in protecting your eyesight for years to come.

Take care of your eye health today and enjoy clear, comfortable vision for life.

When it comes to vision correction, people usually fall into two categories: glasses wearers and contact lens users.

The debate over which option is better will have to wait for another time—this guide is all about contact lenses.

Contact lenses offer clear vision, comfort, and freedom from glasses. They are a great solution for those who want sharp eyesight without frames, and they come in various types to suit different needs: daily, weekly, monthly, and even yearly lenses, as well as specialized lenses for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and more.

However, just like glasses, contact lenses require proper cleaning, storage, and handling to ensure they remain safe and effective.

How to Properly Care for Your Contact Lenses

1. Wash Your Hands Before Touching Your Eyes or Lenses

Always wash your hands with soap and water, even if you’re in a rush. Bacteria and dirt can cause serious eye infections, so clean, dry hands are a must.

2. Use Only the Recommended Contact Lens Solution

Never clean your lenses with tap water, saliva, or any other liquid—only use a sterile contact lens solution approved by an eye care professional.

• Daily cleaning and disinfecting reduce bacteria on the lens by up to 90%.
• If you use daily disposable lenses, simply discard them at the end of the day—no cleaning necessary.

3. Clean Lenses Properly

• Place the lens on a clean palm.
• Apply a few drops of contact lens solution.
• Gently rub both sides of the lens for about 20 seconds to remove buildup and debris.

Be gentle—cleaning should be thorough, but not too harsh.

4. Store Lenses in a Clean Case with Fresh Solution

• Always place your lenses in a clean, sturdy, and airtight case filled with fresh solution.
• Never reuse old solution—replace it daily.

5. Keep Right and Left Lenses Separate

Just like people have a preferred side of the bed, your lenses also have their designated spots.

• Lens cases are labeled “R” (right) and “L” (left) to prevent mix-ups.
• Always place each lens in its proper compartment to avoid switching them by mistake.

6. Keep Your Contact Lens Case Clean

• After removing your lenses, empty the old solution from the case.
• Rinse the case with fresh disinfecting solution, not water.
• Leave it open to air dry before adding new solution.
• Replace the case every three months (or sooner if needed) to prevent bacterial contamination.

Conclusion: Happy Lenses, Healthy Eyes

By following these simple cleaning and storage steps, your contact lenses will remain safe, comfortable, and effective—ensuring you can enjoy sharp, clear vision every day.

Taking care of your lenses means taking care of your eyes, so stick to good hygiene habits, and you’ll be ready to see the world with perfect clarity.

Did you know that your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining good vision?

Just like any other biological system in the body, the visual system relies on proper nutrition to function optimally. The right foods can help prevent eye diseases, enhance visual sharpness, and support overall eye health.

As the saying goes, “An army marches on its stomach”—and so does your eyesight.

How Nutrition Impacts Eye Health

• Prevention of Eye Diseases – A balanced diet can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, cataracts, and dry eyes.
• Improved Visual Acuity – The right nutrients can enhance sharpness and clarity of vision, slowing down age-related decline.
• Stronger Immune System – Good nutrition boosts immunity, helping the body fight off infections, including those affecting the eyes.

What to Eat for Sharp, Healthy Vision

Leafy Green Vegetables

• Spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale
• Rich in antioxidants that protect the retina and reduce the risk of macular degeneration

Orange Fruits and Vegetables

• Carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes, apricots, and pumpkin
• Packed with vitamin A, which is essential for good night vision and overall eye health

Fatty Fish

• Salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel
• High in Omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent dry eyes and maintain healthy tear production

Nuts and Seeds

• Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds
• Rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects eye cells from oxidative damage

Eggs

• The yolk contains lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin A, all of which help strengthen the eyes and improve vision

Water

• Staying hydrated is essential for eye moisture and preventing dryness
• Drinking enough water helps maintain tear production and overall eye comfort

How Much Should You Eat?

Consuming five to six servings of fruits and vegetables per day provides a sufficient amount of antioxidants to support eye health.

If reaching this amount is difficult, dietary supplements or multivitamins may help fill in the gaps.

Foods to Avoid for Better Eye Health

Certain foods can contribute to eye problems and overall health issues. Reducing their intake can help maintain clear vision and prevent complications.

• Foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol – Can clog arteries, including those supplying blood to the eyes
• High-sodium foods – Can contribute to high blood pressure, which may damage blood vessels in the eyes
• High-sugar foods – Can lead to eye conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy
• High-glycemic foods – White bread, potatoes, cornflakes, and popcorn may contribute to blood sugar spikes, affecting vision over time

Conclusion

Eating a nutrient-rich diet with leafy greens, orange vegetables, fish, nuts, eggs, and plenty of water can help maintain sharp vision for years to come.

By making smart dietary choices today, you can protect your eyesight and reduce the risk of age-related vision decline.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), all humans originally had brown eyes. Over time, a genetic mutation in a common ancestor led to a reduction in melanin production, giving rise to lighter eye colors such as blue and green.

Today, the distribution of eye colors worldwide looks very different.

Global Eye Color Statistics

Recent studies estimate that:

• Approximately 75% of the world’s population has brown eyes.
• About 9% have blue eyes.
• The remaining 16% have various shades of green, hazel, gray, and amber.

However, eye color varies significantly across different populations and geographic regions.

Eye Color Variations by Region

• Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland) have some of the highest concentrations of blue-eyed individuals, with estimates reaching around 50% of the population.
• Southern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia have a higher percentage of brown eyes due to greater melanin concentration.
• Green eyes are the rarest, found in only 2-3% of the world’s population, with higher occurrences in Ireland, Scotland, and parts of Central Europe.

Why Does Eye Color Matter?

Beyond aesthetics, melanin levels in the iris influence light sensitivity and vision clarity:

• Brown eyes provide better natural UV protection due to their higher melanin content.
• Blue and green eyes have less melanin, making them more sensitive to bright light and more prone to glare.

Regardless of eye color, wearing sunglasses with UV protection is essential for maintaining long-term eye health.

Between work, school, and daily routines, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important aspects of a child’s development—healthy eyes and good vision. Proper vision is crucial not only for academic success but also for social interaction.

Here are five simple tips to help safeguard your child’s eye health.

1. Regular Eye Exams: What Do Experts Recommend?

The Israeli Association of Ophthalmologists recommends the following eye exam schedule for children:

• 6-12 months – A comprehensive eye exam, including pupil dilation, to detect early vision problems.
• Age 3 – A follow-up exam to assess eye coordination and development.
• Before first grade – A final pre-school vision screening to check for any refractive errors or amblyopia (lazy eye) before they affect learning.

Early detection of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or eye conditions can prevent complications and ensure proper visual development.

2. Sunglasses Are Not Just for Adults

Sun exposure damages the eyes, and children’s eyes are even more sensitive to UV rays than adults’.

How to protect their eyes:

• Ensure your child wears UV-blocking sunglasses whenever they are outdoors, especially during summer.
• Choose high-quality sunglasses that provide 99%-100% UVA and UVB protection.

Proper sunglasses reduce the risk of long-term eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration later in life.

3. Take Breaks from Screens

Excessive screen time causes eye strain, dryness, headaches, and even increases the risk of myopia (nearsightedness).

How to reduce digital eye strain:

• Encourage frequent breaks following the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Limit prolonged use of tablets, phones, and TVs, both at home and in school.
• Encourage outdoor activities as an alternative to screen time.

Giving their eyes a rest is just as important as resting their body and mind.

4. A Healthy Diet Supports Eye Health

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining strong vision.

Key nutrients for eye health:

• Vitamin A (carrots, sweet potatoes)
• Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts)
• Antioxidants (leafy greens, berries)

If necessary, consult a doctor about nutritional supplements to support proper eye development.

5. Prioritize Quality Sleep

Children’s eyes need proper rest to recover and function optimally.

Recommended sleep duration:

• 9-11 hours per night, depending on age.

Adequate sleep reduces eye fatigue, improves focus, and supports the nervous system, which plays a critical role in vision.

Additional Eye Health Tips

✔ Encourage outdoor play instead of excessive screen time.
✔ Ensure proper lighting when reading or writing.
✔ Teach kids not to touch their eyes with dirty hands.
✔ Educate them on the importance of eye protection and how they can take care of their vision.

Your Child’s Eye Health Is in Your Hands

A child’s vision continues to develop until ages 6-8. If a vision issue arises early and goes untreated, it can interfere with proper eye development.

Children often do not realize they have vision problems. They may not complain about blurriness or reduced field of vision, making parental awareness crucial.

Be alert if your child:

• Tilts their head when looking at something.
• Sits too close to the TV or computer.
• Rubs their eyes frequently.
• Struggles with reading or writing.
• Complains of headaches or eye discomfort.

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Early detection can prevent long-term vision problems and support your child’s overall development and success.

Did you know that many eye diseases develop without noticeable symptoms?

A person can live for years with glaucoma or macular degeneration without realizing there is a problem. These conditions can progress silently, causing permanent damage—even blindness—before any symptoms appear.

So how can this be prevented?

The answer is simple: regular eye exams.

A Real-Life Story

“When my granddaughter started first grade, I struggled to help her with her homework. The letters looked small and blurry to me. At first, I thought she was just writing too messily, but over time, I realized the problem was with my own vision. After getting an eye exam and updating my glasses, helping her became so much easier.”

What Do Eye Exams Include and Why Are They Important?

A comprehensive eye exam evaluates all parts of the eye, including the cornea, vitreous body, retina, and optic nerve. Optometrists use advanced imaging technology to detect potential issues early.

Regular exams help identify common eye diseases such as:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Macular degeneration

When diagnosed early, these conditions can often be treated successfully, preventing vision loss and permanent damage.

Of course, if you experience symptoms like eye pain, blurry vision, or persistent eye strain, you should schedule an exam with an eye doctor or certified optometrist immediately.

Take Action: An Annual Eye Exam Can Save Your Vision

Do not neglect your eye health.

A simple annual eye exam can prevent irreversible damage and ensure long-term visual well-being. The exam takes only a short time but can save you from serious vision problems in the future.

Take responsibility for your eye health—book an eye exam today.

Ishihara Color Blindness Test

The Ishihara Test is a widely used method for detecting color blindness. It consists of images made up of colored dots, forming numbers or shapes that are designed to be interpreted differently by individuals with and without color vision deficiencies.

How the Test Works:

• People with normal color vision will be able to easily recognize the numbers or shapes.
• Those with color blindness may struggle to distinguish the figures or may see different numbers or shapes than intended.

Test Yourself

Below are sample Ishihara test plates. Try to identify the numbers within each image.

Answers (printed in reverse to avoid spoilers):

Top row (from right to left):

• 16 (visible to everyone)
• 13
• 7

Bottom row (from right to left):

• 9
• 12
• 8

If you struggled to see the correct numbers, you may have a form of color blindness. A full color vision test with an optometrist can provide a professional diagnosis.

Did you know that every human eye has a blind spot?

This blind spot exists at the point where the optic nerve connects to the back of the eye. In this small area, there are no light receptors, meaning the brain fills in the missing information to create a seamless image.

How to Find Your Blind Spot

You can easily locate your blind spot with a simple experiment:

1. Cover your left eye with your hand.
2. Focus your right eye on the red plus sign (+) on the left side of the screen or image.
3. Slowly move your head forward and backward while keeping your focus on the plus sign.

At a certain distance, the blue dot on the right side will disappear—that’s your blind spot in action.

This phenomenon demonstrates how our brains compensate for missing visual information, ensuring that we don’t perceive gaps in our vision in everyday life.

Looking for the best place to get an eye exam in Ashkelon? If you’ve found us through a search, we recommend reading this article before deciding where to book your exam.

Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good vision. Ignoring vision problems can lead to deterioration, an increased prescription, or even the need for astigmatism correction (cylinder lenses) later on.

Eye Exams for Children in Ashkelon

A child’s first eye screening usually takes place between 6-12 months of age through a pediatric clinic. Additional exams are typically conducted at ages 3 and 6.

It is crucial that children’s eye exams are performed by pediatric vision specialists to detect early vision issues. If a child needs glasses, they should wear them consistently, and their vision should be checked annually to ensure the prescription remains accurate.

Wearing glasses with the wrong prescription can lead to vision deterioration over time, making regular checkups even more important.

Eye Exams for Adults in Ashkelon

Eye exams are just as important for adults as they are for children. A professional vision test takes only a few minutes and answers the key question: Has my prescription changed?

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, staying up to date with your prescription helps prevent further deterioration and unnecessary strain on your eyes.

Eye Exam for a Driver’s License (Green Form Test)

In accordance with Israeli law, anyone applying for a new driver’s license or renewing an existing license is required to undergo a vision test for the “green form”.

The Ministry of Transport enforces vision screenings to ensure safe driving conditions. Some drivers require glasses all the time, others only while driving, and some only at night. Regardless of when you need them, wearing your glasses while driving is essential to prevent accidents and avoid fines.

Pre-Surgery Eye Exam for Laser Vision Correction

Thinking about laser eye surgery? A pre-surgery eye exam is a crucial step before undergoing LASIK or PRK.

The success of the procedure depends on precise planning, the right surgical method, and the condition of your cornea.

A comprehensive pre-surgery eye exam includes:

• Detailed corneal imaging to ensure sufficient corneal thickness for laser treatment.
• Assessment of eye health to rule out dryness or other conditions that may affect the surgery’s outcome.

A thorough examination ensures that the procedure is performed safely and effectively, minimizing risks and optimizing results.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Eye Exams in Ashkelon

At Prizma Optic, we prioritize accuracy, quality, and customer experience. We use advanced diagnostic technology and have a highly experienced optometrist to ensure precise vision tests.

Our goal is to provide the most accurate results possible, ensuring that you receive glasses or treatment tailored to your specific needs.

Need an Eye Exam? We Are Ready for You

If you’re due for an eye exam, whether for a prescription update, a driver’s license, or laser surgery consultation, we are here to help.

Visit us at Prizma Optic in Ashkelon for a fast, professional, and precise eye exam.

In sunny climates, like Israel, where there are around 300 days of sunshine per year, eye protection from UV radiation is essential.

Due to geographic location and climate conditions, our eyes are exposed to strong solar radiation whenever we are outdoors. The most harmful type of sunlight is ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which damages the eye and surrounding tissues. Long-term exposure can lead to cataracts, retinal damage, and premature aging of the skin around the eyes.

When Should You Avoid Sun Exposure?

The most dangerous hours for UV exposure are when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, between:

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

During these hours, the intensity of UV rays is strongest, as they have the shortest atmospheric path before reaching the Earth’s surface.

Simple Tips to Protect Your Eyes from UV Radiation

1. Wear Sunglasses Even on Cloudy Days

Many people assume that only bright sunny days pose a risk, but UV rays penetrate clouds and remain harmful even when it’s overcast.

Solution:
Always wear high-quality sunglasses that provide UV protection, regardless of the weather.

2. Be Mindful of the Time of Day

Since UV radiation peaks between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, these are the hours when your eyes are most at risk.

Solution:
If possible, limit outdoor exposure during these hours, and when you must be outside, use additional protection like sunglasses and a hat.

3. Beware of Sun Reflections

Surfaces like roads, water, windows, and glass buildings reflect sunlight and can intensify UV exposure, especially while driving or being near bodies of water.

Solution:

• Use polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and protect your eyes while driving.
• Be extra cautious near water, sand, and other reflective surfaces that increase UV exposure.

4. A Wide-Brimmed Hat is a Smart Choice

A wide-brimmed hat helps shield your eyes, face, neck, and chest from the sun. It significantly reduces the amount of UV radiation reaching your eyes.

Solution:
For maximum protection, wear both sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when spending extended time outdoors.

5. Invest in High-Quality Sunglasses

Not all sunglasses offer proper protection. The most effective sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, preventing long-term damage.

Solution:

• Choose sunglasses from a trusted brand that explicitly states 100% UV protection.
• Avoid cheap, low-quality sunglasses, as they may darken the lens without filtering UV rays, potentially making UV exposure even worse.

Conclusion

UV exposure poses a real threat to eye health, but with the right precautions, you can protect your vision and reduce long-term damage.

By wearing high-quality UV-protected sunglasses, limiting exposure during peak hours, and being mindful of reflections, you ensure your eyes remain healthy and strong for years to come.