Dial down the glare. Experts may not agree about the long-term effects of computer eye strain, but anyone who spends 10 hours in front of a monitor to meet a big deadline can attest to the short-term effects. To avoid blurry vision and headaches, dim the overhead lights to minimize screen glare, don't sit too close to the monitor and give your eyes a break by focusing on a distant object every 20 minutes or so. Heavy computer users may consider special intermediate-range glasses.

Eye drops are our friends. Dryness can cause blurry vision, especially when the heater works overtime on chilly days. If over-the-counter eye drops don't do the trick, talk to an eye care professional. Dry eyes can also be symptoms of hormonal changes or disease.

Sunglasses are glare guards. Eyes can get sunburned, too. Mom was right about not looking directly at the sun, and reflected glare from water, sand and snow can also damage corneas, retinas and lenses. Look for sunglasses that block virtually all ultraviolet rays, UV-A and B.

Safety goggles are cool. Even everyday tasks like edging the lawn or playing racquetball can put eyes at risk for injury. It's better to look silly for five minutes and help reduce your risk for serious injury or blindness.

See the doctor. Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining healthy vision, especially as we age. Diabetics, people older than 65, African Americans older than 40, and anyone with family history of glaucoma, cataracts or other eye diseases should have their eyes checked every year. Younger people without risk factors can usually go two years between visits.