Paying attention to your eye health is something you probably don’t often do. Everyone has a few more or less unhealthy habits, and you don’t think much of them until they take a toll on your health. Here are five habits to avoid that could cause serious damage to your eyesight.
Rubbing Eyes
Many so-called “mechanical” eye injuries come from aggressively rubbing your eyelids. It may be an itch, or you do it unconsciously while yawning, but rubbing the eyes can damage the soft tissue around the eye and the surface of the eye tissue. This can cause vision problems and, if not treated, lead to more severe impairments.
Not Wearing Protective Eyewear
Too much exposure to UV (ultraviolet) rays can also damage the eye and lead to photokeratitis, which happens when the cornea becomes inflamed. As with any inflammation, photokeratitis causes redness, itchiness, and tearing and is a risk for developing cataracts and macular degeneration. You should also wear eyewear to protect the eyes from the wind, or any external aggressors, such as while working with power tools.
Sleeping With Makeup On
Not removing eye makeup before going to sleep can cause bacteria collected on your eyes throughout the day to enter the eyes and possibly cause an infection. You can reduce the risk of infection by removing the makeup off your eyes before going to sleep.
Bad Nutrition
If your body lacks certain nutrients due to bad eating and drinking habits, it could cause future eye issues. The lack of vitamin A is one of the lead causes of blindness. To ensure that your eyes stay healthy and are not at risk of developing glaucoma or cataracts, take your vitamins!
Take Care of Your Eyes
Preventing problems is much better than visiting the doctor. Taking care of your daily habits can improve your overall health. However, if your eye issues are more serious, it’s best to consult with a specialist.
