Vision is one of our most important senses. Whether you’re working on digital screens, driving, or spending time outdoors, your eyes are constantly at work. Therefore, maintaining good eye health is about more than just seeing clearly; it’s essential to your overall quality of life. Alongside eye care habits, choosing the right eyewear can also protect and enhance your vision. In this article, we’ll explore practical eye care tips, latest eyewear trends, and how Navy Health members can take advantage of optical benefits through our trusted network of providers.
How can you maintain healthy vision?
Regular Eye Exams
Having regular eye check-ups can help safeguard your vision and detect issues like astigmatism or macular degeneration before they become more serious. Macular degeneration is an eye condition that can affect central vision, making everyday activities such as reading and recognising faces more difficult.
Early detection allows for timely treatment, helping prevent long-term damage and irreversible vision loss. According to Healthdirect, it’s recommended to visit an optometrist for an eye test every 2 to 3 years, even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms.
Protective eyewear
When you’re outdoors, protecting your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays is just as important as wearing sunscreen. Exposure to UV light over long periods can increase the risk of developing serious eye problems such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye cancer. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses is the simplest way to shield your eyes from UV rays. According to Cancer Council, it’s best to look for sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard with a lens category of 2, 3 or 4, as these provide optimal protection by blocking 95% of UV radiation.
Navy Health members can take advantage of discounts on a wide variety of UV-blocking sunglasses from multiple optical providers, like 10% off on Bailey Nelson non-prescription sunglasses^, ensuring that your vision is both protected and fashionable.
^ For members with Extras cover
Healthy diet and lifestyle
A diet rich in nutrients like antioxidants, vitamin C and E, zinc, or omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent macular degeneration. These can be found in foods such as green leafy vegetables, tuna, salmon or nuts.
Lifestyle habits like smoking can also have a significant impact on your eye health. Smoking has been linked to increasing risk of eye health conditions including macular degeneration, cataracts, or eye irritation. Therefore, quitting smoking can help preserve the clarity and longevity of your vision.
Reduce screen time
In today’s digital age, screen time is unavoidable. Although there’s no direct link between prolonged screen time and serious eye disease, extended use of smartphones, computers, and TVs can contribute to Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), or digital eye strain. This condition can cause symptoms such as dry eyes, itching, or blurring of vision. If these are left unmanaged, they can potentially affect overall eye comfort in the long term.
To minimise digital eye strain, you can practise 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. To take your eye care a step further, consider a digital detox to break free from screen use, for example, by setting time limits for screen-based activities or finding offline hobbies like cooking, journaling, arts, etc.
What are the current eyewear trends?
Blue light blocking glasses
As more people work from home or spend hours on digital devices, the demand for blue light blocking glasses has surged. These glasses are designed to filter out and minimise the harmful effects of blue light, ensuring healthier vision for longer.
Retro-inspired
Vintage has recently been a rising trend in fashion, with classic styles from past decades making a strong comeback. Eyewear is no exception to this trend, with retro-inspired glasses gaining popularity such as cat-eye or aviator frames. These styles appeal to those seeking a blend of retro charm and contemporary twists.
Sustainable materials
With increasing awareness of environmental issues, many brands are introducing ‘green’ eyewear options made with sustainable materials. These eco-friendly glasses are crafted from materials like bio acetate, bamboo, or recycled plastics (All About Vision, 2025), offering a stylish and responsible alternative to traditional eyewear.
Personalised eyewear
Customisation is key when it comes to trends, especially for those who prioritise self-expression and individuality. Whether it’s selecting unique frame shapes, or adding engravings, personalised eyewear becomes more than just functional but also a form of personal art.
Take Advantage of Navy Health’s Optical Coverage
Your eye health is vital, and investing in eye care is an essential part of maintaining overall wellbeing. With just simple practices like taking regular eye tests, using protective eyewear and following a healthy diet and lifestyle, you can ensure your vision stays sharp for years to come.
Navy Health Extras Cover offers generous optical benefits for members. You can claim 100% back on prescription optical including Single, Bifocal, and Multifocal lenses, frames and contact lenses at all recognised providers up to the annual limit*.
To explore more optical benefits, call 1300 306 289 to speak to one of our friendly staff or visit our Optical Providers page.
* Optical benefit is payable where the lens includes a form of sight correction.
