Tips and Best Practices

Frequently Asked Questions

Does eating carrots improve my eyesight?

While carrots are a decent source of vitamin A and antioxidants, substances that may help protect against cataracts or other eye conditions, eating carrots can't prevent or improve basic vision conditions like nearsightedness and farsightedness. In fact, fresh fruit and dark green vegetables like spinach contain even more antioxidants and may be better for you than carrots.

WIll reading in dim light harm my vision?

Just as with sitting too close to the TV, you'll tire your eyes out more quickly but you won't permanently harm them by reading in dim lighting. The best way to read is to have a light shining directly on the page, rather than in your eyes.

Is staring at the computer all day bad for the eyes?

While looking at a computer screen for hours on end will contribute to eyestrain and make your eyes feel tired, it won't permanently harm them. There are many things you can do to help relieve the strain on your eyes from working on computers - see our section on Tired Eyes for more information.

How often should I have eye exams?

Regular eye exams are an essential part of staying healthy. Infants and children should be checked before they are 3 months old, again between 6 and 12 months, at 3 years, at 5 years, and whenever they experience any eye problems. Older children or adults who wear glasses or contact lenses should be examined every year. Even an adult with no vision problems or who is at low risk for eye disease should have his or her eyes checked at least once between the ages of 20 and 40. After age 40, you should probably have your eyes checked every 2 to 4 years, and every year or two after 65.

Is having a twitchy eyelid normal?

A twitchy eyelid is a common occurrence usually related to fatigue and stress. In spite of the fact that it may be annoying or even alarming, it is rarely a symptom of a muscle or nerve disease.

How can I protect my eyes in the sun?

There are many things you can do to keep your eyes safe in the sun, starting with wearing sunglasses designed to screen UV radiation. Look for a closely fitting or wraparound design that blocks 90% to 100% of both UVA and UVB light.

There are also other things you can do:

  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat. Much of the sunlight you receive comes from directly overhead, getting past most sunglasses.
  • Never look directly at the sun, even when wearing sunglasses.
  • Wear sunscreen on your face, eyelids, and around your eyes, but take care not to get sunscreen in your eyes.
  • Avoid commercial tanning booths. If you do go, make sure you receive special protective goggles.

Eye damage from the sun is cumulative, meaning that any harm you do to your eyes as a child stays with you throughout your life. If you have children, it's essential to warn them and teach them about the dangers of the sun.

What is the difference between VISINE® SEASONAL RELIEF®, VISINE® Original and VISINE® Advance with Antihistamine eye drops?

The ingredients in VISINE® SEASONAL RELIEF®, VISINE® Original eye drops and VISINE® Advance with Antihistamine include a decongestant to relieve redness. VISINE® SEASONAL RELIEF® eye drops also contain a second ingredient to clear mucus from the outer surface of the eye. VISINE® Advance with Antihistamine eye drops contain both an antihistamine to effectively relieve itchy, and watery eyes and tearing caused by pollen, grass, ragweed, dust, animal dander, and mould, as well as a decongestant to relieve redness.