8 Ways Poor Habits Affect Your Eye Health
Did you know that eight-tenths of our memories and knowledge is acquired through our sense of sight? (Source: ConsciousLife News). Take a look at this list to see if you are compromising your long-term eye health by falling into some common pitfalls.
Sleeping in Your Contacts
Contacts restrict the amount of oxygen your eyes receive, so sleeping in your lenses or over-wearing your lenses can have damaging effects over time.
Not Removing Eye Makeup
Removing eye makeup before you go to bed is important because mascara and eyeliner can be irritating to the eyes and even cause infection. Make sure to replace your eye makeup every few months to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Too Much Screen Time
Are you spending too much time in front of a computer screen, television, smartphone or iPad? For most of Americans, this answer is a resounding “yes.” Overuse of electronic devices can cause digital eye strain and interrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm, causing insomnia.
Inadequate Nutrition
The eyes need essential vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, zinc and lutein to function properly. A diet that is lacking in fruits and vegetables can increase your risk for eye disease.
Rubbing Your Eyes
The eyes are an extremely delicate organ, so try not to rub your eyes. Excessive rubbing makes your eyes even more sensitive and susceptible to broken blood vessels.
Not Wearing Sunglasses
Harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun cause free radical damage, which can lead to the development of cataracts. Wearing sunglasses is essential, even on cloudy days.
Not Using Safety Goggles
Maybe they don’t look cool, but that shouldn’t stop you from wearing safety goggles when doing yard work, using machinery or cleaning with harsh chemicals. They are an important barrier against eye irritants.
Neglecting Comprehensive Eye Exams
The best gift you can give to your eyes is a yearly comprehensiveeye exam. Your ophthalmologist will adjust your eye prescription, test for eye diseases and give you a complete update on your vision health.
If you have been getting a bit lazy in your eye hygiene or eye care habits, it’s certainly not too late. If you’re not sure where to start, call your ophthalmologist to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and you’ll be well on your way to healthier vision (Source: GoodHousekeeping).
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