They may be the windows to your soul, but your eyes also serve a very practical purpose. While you use your eyes to do just about everything, it’s easy to neglect their health. In honor of National Eye Care Month, focus on these tips:

• Be proactive. You take your car in for oil changes and get yearly physical exams, but how often do you verify your vision? Regular checkups evaluate eyesight, while diagnosing any serious conditions early, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, or glaucoma.

• Wear protective eyewear. It may be winter, but the sun’s rays still can be blinding… literally. Don’t forget to wear sunglasses with UV protection. And if you’re using equipment or chemicals that may create eye hazards, wear hard plastic goggles.

• Monitor your monitor. Staring at computer screens can tax your eyes. There’s even a name for it — computer vision syndrome. The American Optometric Association recommends taking brief breaks, minimizing glare, and looking downward at the monitor about 15 degrees to help reduce symptoms and fatigue.

Try these guidelines to help protect your vision during National Eye Care Month — and all year long.