You might be surprised to learn that some little habits can have a big impact on the health of your eyes. In fact, some habits can contribute to discomfort, pain, and even vision loss. Identifying these bad habits – and making an effort to break them – can help save your vision.
9 Bad Habits that Ruin Your Eyes
1. Rubbing your eyes
Itchy eyes are annoying, but rubbing your eyes can put unnecessary pressure on your eyes. Rubbing your eyes can even scratch your cornea, which is the clear outer part that covers your eyes. Instead of rubbing, try placing a cold compress over your eyes.
2. Staring at your phone
Smartphones are fun and sometimes necessary, but staring at the phone’s tiny screen can strain your eyes, and lead to blurred vision, dry eyes, dizziness, and nausea. This is especially true if you are glued to your phone for hours at a time. Give your eyes a break by putting down your smartphone every 20 minutes or so.
3. Smoking
Smoking is bad for your overall health and it can ruin your eyes. In fact, smoking increases your risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, and other eye conditions.
4. Poor diet
Dehydration and a poor diet can take their toll on your eyes. Drink lots of water and choose leafy greens, seafood, nuts, and fruits and vegetables, which provide the vitamin C, zinc, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids your eyes need for optimal health.
5. Not wearing eye protection
Many eye injuries are preventable. Wear eye protection when:
- Swimming or engaging in other sports
- Mowing the lawn
- Working on your car or home improvements projects
- Cleaning with chemicals
- Cooking with oil
6. Not wearing sunglasses
Sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Wear sunglasses even on cloudy days.
7. Misusing makeup
Applying eyeliner or mascara too close to your lash line could clog oil glands and cause bacteria to build up. Replace makeup every 3 months and remove eye makeup before bed.
8. Skimping on sleep
Lack of sleep can lead to red, puffy, itchy or twitchy eyes.
9. Skipping regular visits to your eye doctor
Regular visits to your eye doctor can help you detect eye problems early, when they are usually the easiest to treat.
For more information about habits that may be ruining your eyesight, talk with your eye doctor at Illinois Eye Center. The more you know about eye care, the better you can see.
