Why Eye Health Should Be Your Priority in 2025

Your eyes are one of the most vital organs in your body, yet they are often neglected until problems arise. With the increasing use of digital devices and growing exposure to environmental pollutants, prioritizing eye health in 2025 is more critical than ever. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from vision impairment, and many of these cases could have been prevented with proper eye care.

Let’s explore the most effective ways to maintain healthy eyesight and prevent common eye issues.

  1. Get Regular Eye Exams

Why It’s Important:

Routine eye exams help detect vision problems early, allowing timely treatment and prevention of more severe issues like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration.

Action Steps:

  • Schedule an eye check-up at least once a year.
  • Consult an optometrist if you experience frequent headaches, blurry vision, or eye strain.
  • Ensure your prescription glasses or contact lenses are up to date.
  1. Protect Your Eyes from Digital Strain

Why It’s Important:

Prolonged screen time on computers, smartphones, and tablets causes digital eye strain, which can lead to dryness, irritation, and fatigue.

Action Steps:

  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use blue light filtering glasses or enable the night mode feature on digital devices.
  1. Maintain a Nutrient-Rich Diet

Why It’s Important:

Proper nutrition is essential for eye health. Certain vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A, C, E, and zinc, help prevent age-related vision loss.

Action Steps:

  • Eat plenty of leafy greens like spinach and kale.
  • Stay hydrated to prevent dry eyes and irritation.
  1. Wear UV Protection Outdoors

Why It’s Important:

Prolonged exposure to UV rays increases the risk of cataracts and retinal damage.

Action Steps:

  • Always wear 100% UV-blocking sunglasses when outdoors.
  • Use wide-brimmed hats for extra protection.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure from 10 AM – 4 PM.
  1. Quit Smoking to Save Your Sight

Why It’s Important:

Smoking increases the risk of macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage.

Action Steps:

  • Seek professional help if you need assistance quitting.
  • Replace smoking habits with healthier alternatives like chewing gum or exercising.
  • Educate yourself on the long-term effects of smoking on vision.
  1. Practice Proper Eye Hygiene

Why It’s Important:

Poor eye hygiene can lead to infections, irritation, and conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye).

Action Steps:

  • Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
  • Never share eye makeup or contact lenses.
  • Clean contact lenses properly and store them in fresh solution daily.
  1. Get Enough Sleep for Healthy Eyes

Why It’s Important:

Lack of sleep can cause dry eyes, eye spasms, and blurred vision.

Action Steps:

  • Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
  • Reduce screen time.
  • Use a humidifier in your room if you suffer from dry eyes.
  1. Exercise Regularly to Improve Eye Health

Why It’s Important:

Exercise improves blood circulation, which is essential for maintaining good vision and preventing diseases like diabetes, which can lead to diabetic retinopathy.

Action Steps:

  • Engage in physical activities like walking, yoga, or cardio exercises.
  • Perform eye exercises such as blinking rapidly, rolling your eyes, or focusing on distant objects.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of obesity-related eye conditions.

Conclusion: Make 2025 the Year of Healthy Vision

Your eyes are your window to the world. By making small yet impactful lifestyle changes, you can protect your vision and maintain optimal eye health in 2025 and beyond. Regular check-ups, healthy eating, digital eye strain reduction, and proper eye hygiene are essential steps to preserving your eyesight.

Dr. Bryan Fuller

Dr. Bryan Fuller of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Fuller grew up in Issaquah, Washington and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. He decided to ditch the calculator and trade it in for a phoropter and slit lamp. He headed east to The Ohio State University where he received his Optometry degree in 1998. Go Bucks! Not wanting to return to the gray of Washington, after graduation, he headed southwest to sunny Arizona. Shortly thereafter he met Dr. McPhelan and they partnered up at their original location, Optical Illusions. With the success of the first location, the two doctors opened up their north location, Optique at the Ridge. After many years of operating the two locations, it was time for an upgrade. In 2016 they merged the two locations into their larger and current location, Tatum Eyecare! When not at the office, Dr. Fuller enjoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two boys. Dr. Fuller holds the following degrees:

Ohio State University - Doctorate of Optometry
Washington State University - B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Dr. James McPhelan

Dr. James McPhelan of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. McPhelan grew up in Southern California and enlisted in the Army at age 17. He graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in 1976, then started practicing optometry in Arizona in 1977. Over the next few years, he grew 20/20 Eye Care to 15 offices. In 1999, he and Dr. Fuller took over Optical Illusions, then opened Optique at the Ridge. In 2016, they created Tatum Eyecare. In his spare time, Dr. McPhelan is an avid golfer, often competing in multiple tournaments through the year. Dr. McPhelan holds the following degrees:


Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Houle

Dr. Houle
Dr. Houle is following in her father's footsteps as an optometrist. She is a North Dakota native who received her Bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota before earning her Doctorate of Optometry from Midwestern University - Arizona College of Optometry. Dr. Houle began her career in eye care more than 10 years ago, and she worked as a receptionist, optician, and technician before becoming an optometrist. She has a particular interest in the management of ocular disease including dry eye and glaucoma. In her free time, Dr. Houle is an avid baseball fan (go Twins!) and spends as much time as possible with her friends and family in both Arizona and North Dakota.

Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry
University of North Dakota - Bachelor of Science: Biology

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. O’Daniel was born in the beautiful mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He attended Wright State University and graduated with his BS in Biology in 1977; shortly thereafter, beginning his Masters in BioChemistry.

Dr. O’Daniel is also a 1983 graduate of the Illinois College Optometry. He met his wife Lori during this period. Lori, a Chicago native, became an integral part of his practice (and life!) shortly thereafter.
He moved to Scottsdale in 1986 to begin practicing inside LensCrafters. In 1990 Dr. O'Daniel opened the Scottsdale LensCrafters, and he also presided as its director of Optometric services.
Dr. O’Daniel became an Optometrist because of his love and passion for photography, physics, and desire provide patients with the ability to see the world more clearly. As a licensed optometrist, Dr. O’Daniel provides complete eye care services for the surrounding communities ages seven and up.
Dr. O’Daniel has had a working relationship with both Dr. Fuller and McPhellan for over two decades. He has served as past director for the Arizona Optometric Association, and past President of the Central Arizona Optometric Society. In January, 2018 Dr. O’Daniel decided to join Tatum Eye Care, the premier Eye Care Center in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Dr. O’Daniel’s goal is simple: Provide Excellent Eye Care, treat patients as family, and treat everyone honestly and fairly!

Dr. Christina Wong

Dr. Christina Wong of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
A southern California native, Dr. Wong attended UCLA where she received her B.S. in Biology. She then completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry. Dr. Wong moved to Arizona to complete a residency in ocular disease at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Following residency, Dr. Wong earned the distinction of Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Wong provides comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages, from pediatrics through seniors. She has a special interest in the management of medical eye conditions including glaucoma, eye infections, dry eye and diabetic retinopathy.
Outside of the office, Dr. Wong enjoys running, going to the beach, rooting for the Bruins, and spending time with her husband and three daughters.
University of California Los Angeles - B.S. in Biology
Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Ryan Felten

Dr. Felten of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Felten is a native to Arizona, and was raised in North Phoenix where most of his family still resides. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University; then returned home to Arizona to pursue his Doctor of Optometry at Midwestern University in Glendale. While at Midwestern University, he was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society and was the recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. Dr. Felten enjoys working with patients of all ages and also speaks fluent Spanish. Dr. Felten holds the following degrees:


Brigham Young University - Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Midwestern University - Doctorate of Optometry