There are some things you can’t control when it comes to eye health. Genetics play a role and eyesight tends to deteriorate with age. But a lot of people are unaware that certain things they may do regularly can also hurt their eyes.
To keep your eyes as healthy as possible, read on as Dr. Edward Hedaya of InVision Eye Care shares a list of everyday mistakes that may be damaging your eyes.
Touching or Rubbing Your Eyes
This is one of the most common mistakes people make with their eye health. If your eyes feel itchy or irritated, there’s a reason, and rubbing them will only make matters worse.
For example, if there is debris in one or both eyes, rubbing can cause the irritant to either go deeper into the eye or scratch the cornea, which can lead to an infection. Plus, anytime you touch your eyes, you risk transferring dirt and bacteria into them.
So the next time your eyes feel irritated, resist the urge to rub. Instead, try blinking a lot so the eyes’ natural tears can wash away the irritant. Over-the-counter eye drops may also be used.
Staring at Screens Too Much
Whether it’s a computer, smartphone, or television, staring at screens for too long can damage the eyes. Electronic screens emit blue light, which can cause eyestrain and retina damage and lead to serious vision problems, such as macular degeneration.
You need to take frequent breaks when using electronic devices. Following the 20-20-20 rule can help lessen the damage caused by electronic screens and blue light. For every twenty minutes spent staring at a screen, shift your gaze to stare at something twenty feet away for twenty seconds to give the eyes a rest.
Using Expired Eye Products
Eye drops and saline solutions used to sanitize contact lenses come with expiration dates for a reason. The ingredients included in these products aren’t able to do their job (e.g., kill bacteria) if the products have expired.
Not Wearing Sunglasses Outside
Anytime you go outside, even if it’s not particularly sunny out, you should wear sunglasses.
Your eyes need protection from both UVA and UVB rays, which are carcinogenic. Repeat exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can damage the retina and increase your risk of contracting eye conditions, such as cataracts, abnormal growths, and skin cancer on the eyelids.
Contact InVision Eye Care
Another common mistake people make with their eye health is not having an annual eye exam. To make sure your eyes are healthy, you should have them checked by an eye doctor at least once a year.
To learn more about how to give your eyes the care they need, call or email the team at InVision Eye Care to schedule an appointment with any of our talented doctors.
