Cataracts and Glaucoma: What's the Difference?
If your vision isn’t what it used to be, you might hear the words cataracts or glaucoma tossed around. They’re two of the most common eye conditions, but what’s the difference? Find out here.
Make Your Vision a Priority: 5 Resolutions for Healthier Eyes
A new year brings new goals, and while many people focus on fitness, finances, and routines, your eyes deserve a spot on that list, too.
Nicanor Lacsina, OD, and Yelena Pinkhasova, OD, at Bainbridge Eye Care, believe the new year is the perfect time to commit to habits that protect and preserve your sight.
Read on as we share five smart resolutions to help you support healthier eyes in 2026.
Resolution #1: Keep up with your annual eye exam
Good vision starts with routine care. Even if your eyesight feels fine, many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease, develop silently without early symptoms.
An annual comprehensive eye exam enables Dr. Lacsina and Dr. Pinkhasova to track changes in your prescription and detect early signs of disease.
If it’s been more than a year since your last exam, make this your first resolution.
Put your resolution into action, and call our Bronx, New York, office at 718-306-9127 to schedule your 2026 exam.
Resolution #2: Break from screens to give your eyes a rest
Between phones, laptops, TVs, and tablets, most people spend more than five hours staring at screens every day. Even worse, an estimated 70% of Americans use multiple devices at once.
This strain can cause headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and fatigue — symptoms that 65% of Americans experience.
To protect your eyes:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Blink often to keep your eyes lubricated
- Adjust screen brightness, contrast, and positioning for comfort
- Wear blue-light blocking glasses
- Use screentime tracking apps to monitor your screen usage over the course of the year
These may seem like small changes, but they can make a big difference in reducing digital eye strain.
Resolution #3: Wear UV-protective sunglasses year-round
UV rays don’t take a break in winter. In fact, sunlight bouncing off snow or reflective surfaces can intensify exposure and increase your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and corneal damage.
Choose sunglasses that:
- Block 100% of UVA and UVB rays
- Fit well and fully cover your eyes
- Reduce glare for more comfortable outdoor vision
Your eyes deserve the same protection as your skin, so be sure you have high-quality, UV-blocking sunglasses on hand.
Make it a family resolution. Our team provides sunglasses for everyone in your family, no matter the occasion, whether for sports, prescription, non-prescription, or kids’ sunglasses.
Resolution #4: Keep your contact lens routine clean and tidy
If you wear contacts, your daily habits matter. Poor hygiene can lead to irritation, infections, and even serious corneal complications.
Make it a goal to:
- Wash your hands before handling lenses
- Replace lenses and cases as recommended
- Avoid sleeping or swimming with lenses in
- Use only approved cleaning solutions
A few extra seconds each day can prevent painful problems later.
Are you unsure if you’re taking care of your contacts the correct way? Don’t hesitate to ask! Our team is happy to answer any questions you have about contact lenses.
Resolution #5: Add eye-friendly foods to your diet
Many people make food-related resolutions. Eating healthier is one of the most popular food-related resolutions. This year, though, don’t forget to focus on the nutrients that support healthy eyes.
Make sure you include foods rich in these nutrients:
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3s support your tear film and reduce inflammation, which can help prevent dry eye and support your retina. You can find omega-3 in fatty fish, such as salmon, as well as walnuts, ground flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
Lutein and zeaxanthin
These antioxidants protect your retina from the damaging blue light and help reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
They’re abundant in leafy greens such as spinach and kale, as well as in eggs and brightly colored produce.
Vitamins A, C, and E
These vitamins help strengthen your cornea, protect cells from oxidative stress, and support long-term eye health. For example, the landmark AREDS study found that vitamin E, along with other nutrients, reduced the risk of progressing to advanced age-related macular degeneration by 25% in people who already showed early signs of the disease.
Sources of these vitamins include berries, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, red peppers, spinach, and almonds.
We guide you based on your eye health needs if you're unsure how supplements can assist.
Start 2026 with a clear vision
Your eyes work hard for you. Be sure to return the favor this year.
At Bainbridge Eye Care, we’re here to support your eye health every step of the way. Whether you need your annual exam, updated lenses, or help managing a vision concern, our team is ready to help you see your best.
Schedule your eye exam today. Click or call 718-306-9127 to get started.
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