(SPOT.ph) As we age, our bodies change, and that includes our eyes. Consider this: Health experts at Harvard Medical School believe that eyesight degeneration is preventable through regular checkups and curbing bad habits. Here are some of them and what you can do to rein them in:

Sticking to an unhealthy diet.

Junk food doesn't have the vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids that your eyes need to function well. Vitamin C helps keep the connective tissues in your eyes healthy, while vitamin E helps protect your eye cells from damage. Zinc, on the other hand, allows you to see better in the dark, while omega-3 fatty acids help combat dry eye syndrome. Give your eye health a boost by incorporating more nuts, whole grains, fish, and leafy green vegetables in your diet.

Smoking.

It's not just your lungs-the damage smoking does to your eye tissue can be just as severe, if not worse. The toxins from nicotine enter your eyes and quadruple your chances of sight loss, says the UK government's National Health Service. Do what you can to quit smoking now.

Not getting enough sleep.

Makeup may conceal eye bags or dark circles, but how do you stop that annoying eye-twitching that happens when you're sleep-deprived? Inadequate sleep can cause your eyes to secrete less tears, which can trigger ocular surface diseases. Getting more shuteye is the best way to prevent dry, tired eyes and blurry vision.

Not drinking enough water.

Being dehydrated makes your prone to dry eyes, and that's what prompts you to rub them, inadvertently exposing yourself to all kinds of bacteria. Proper hydration means well-lubricated eyes that have a protective barrier against dust and foreign elements.

Using expired eye makeup or unclean makeup brushes.

Germs can proliferate on brushes and inside makeup containers; a surefire way to trigger an infection. Take note of the period-after-opening symbol on each product (it's a small graphic of an open jar) which indicates how long the item can last. Clean your brushes well.

Stepping out into sunlight without eyewear.

You have sunscreen for your skin, but you need to safeguard the thin skin around your eyes and your eye tissue from the glare and the sun's rays. When you're outdoors, sunglasses or eyeglasses with lenses offering UV protection are a must.

Spending too much time on your gadgets.

Adjust the screen's brightness all you want, but your smartphone, tablet, or laptop still emits blue light that can cause dry eyes when you use gadgets for too long. Prolonged exposure to blue light may also deplete Lutein, a carotenoid that protects the eyes from conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Wearing glasses with Lutina lenses, available in the Philippines exclusively at Vision Express, may help minimize eye damage. These lenses help reduce the blue light that reaches the eyes, so while it is still recommended that you take a break from gadgets every once in a while, get yourself a pair for when you absolutely must be in front of a screen.

No matter how old you are, regular eye checkups are a must, and it's easy to get one. On your next trip to the mall, drop by an eye care center like Vision Express, which offers free eye examinations.