8 daily habits that harm your eyes
Recent research has highlighted that healthy eyes are not a matter of luck, but rather that we can do many things to protect our vision and keep our eyes healthy.
Below are some daily habits that can harm your eyes and what you can do to prevent them.
1. Swim every day.
Swimming is extremely beneficial for cardiovascular health, but if you don't wear goggles, your eyes can hurt, especially if you wear contact lenses and open your eyes underwater, as contact lenses can also absorb water, affecting your vision.
If you absolutely must wear contact lenses while swimming, opt for disposable ones along with waterproof goggles, or better yet, invest in a pair of goggles that allow you to see clearly without water coming into direct contact with your eyes.
Water from lakes, rivers, and the sea, or even from the shower, can cause eye infections.
2. Mascara that's past its expiration date.
You know your mascara has started clumping after 3-4 months of use, but you don't want to buy a new one because it's too expensive?
Yes, it's time to throw all expired eye makeup out of your makeup bag if you don't want to risk bacterial infections, red eyes, photophobia, and irritation.
After four months, mascara begins to harbor dangerous bacteria. Unopened, good quality cosmetics can remain stable for several years.
People who wear contact lenses are more susceptible to infections when applying eye makeup. Bacterial transmission can be prevented by thoroughly sharpening eyeliner before each use.
Similarly, false eyelashes also pose a risk to the eyes. According to experts, false eyelashes are a hygiene hazard because they tend to trap dirt and bacteria, and poor-quality, unhygienic false eyelashes increase the risk, so it's important to find a reputable makeup artist.
3. Not having an annual eye exam.
Regular eye exams can help detect health problems such as diabetes, glaucoma, and high blood pressure, all of which can lead to serious eye problems and even blindness if left uncontrolled.
Even arthritis can be detected through an eye exam, as inflammation also occurs in the eyes and will eventually affect them if left untreated.
Most ophthalmologists recommend an eye exam every two years, unless you have eye problems or are over 70, in which case. An annual eye exam is best for early detection of any health issues.
Children up to age 16 should also have their eyes checked annually, as their vision can change very rapidly at this stage of life.
4. Staring at your phone.
Constantly staring at your phone, computer screen, or TV is never good for your eye health.
The reason is that these screens emit a bluish light that is absorbed by crucial cells in the retina of the eye, triggering toxic chemicals that can eventually kill the light receptors necessary for vision. And the older you get, the more vulnerable your eyes become.
Avoid using phones and tablets in the dark, as this can make your pupils more vulnerable to damage.
Experts also recommend wearing glasses with anti-glare coatings that filter blue light, or applying blue light filters to your phone or computer.
5. Smoking
Everyone knows cigarettes are harmful, but few realize that they also damage the eyes. Smoking increases the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common condition affecting the central part of the vision. In fact, AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the UK.
AMD occurs when the small central part of the retina, called the macula, degenerates and has been the leading cause of blindness for over 50 years.
The risk of AMD doubles if you smoke after age 50. So, that's another reason to quit smoking.
Although ultraviolet (UV) levels are generally higher on sunny days, it's important to remember that up to 80% of UV radiation can penetrate clouds, meaning forgetting to wear sunglasses on overcast days can still damage your eyes.
Therefore, wearing sunglasses on a mild, sunny December morning is just as important as wearing them on a glaring July afternoon.
7. Fan
Leaving a fan on all night can increase irritation and dryness in contact lens wearers because the fan blows allergens like dust or pollen into your eyes while you sleep. Therefore, when you put on your contact lenses in the morning, these trapped allergens can cause irritation and discomfort.
The solution? Wipe away the dust from all the surfaces in the bedroom, including the fan blades, and keep a bottle of contact lens cleaner handy to clean your lenses.
Set a timer on your fan so it turns off right after you fall asleep, and wear a face mask while sleeping to protect your eyes.
8. Misuse of eye drops
Overuse of eye drops can cause the blood vessels in the eye to dilate as the medication wears off, creating a vicious cycle: red eyes, eye drops, even redder eyes, and even more eye drops. Instead, we need to try to identify the cause and address it.
For example, if your eyes are dry due to cold weather and the use of a heater, invest in a humidifier and avoid sitting too close to the heater.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E and omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon. And wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and cold.
How often eye drops can be used depends on the specific type.
Eye drops containing preservatives have a longer shelf life. However, preservatives in eye drops can cause more eye irritation. Eye specialists recommend using this type of eye drop no more than four times a day. Preservative-free eye drops are best for people with sensitive eyes.
