Seemingly harmless daily routines can put your eyesight at risk over time. Here are the most common habits you should watch out for if you want to protect your vision.
Rubbing your eyes
Rubbing your eyes may bring temporary relief, but it increases the risk of damage.
The habit can trigger keratoconus, a condition that weakens the cornea and may lead to light sensitivity, blurry vision, or, in severe cases, the need for a corneal transplant.
Not wearing sunglasses
Sunglasses protect against UV rays that can cause skin cancer, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts.
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Experts recommend sunglasses labeled UV400 or with a UV rating of 99–100 %. Without them, you also risk photokeratitis, a painful sunburn of the cornea.
UV rays in winter
Many forget that UV rays are just as dangerous in winter because they reflect off snow and ice. Without sunglasses, this exposure can be harmful.
Staring at screens for too long
Extended screen time can lead to digital eye strain, with symptoms like headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes.
This is partly because we blink less while looking at screens.
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Taking breaks from screens
To protect your eyes, it’s recommended to look away from your screen about every 20 minutes. This simple habit helps reduce strain.
Blue-light glasses don’t work
Research shows that blue-light blocking glasses don’t offer strong protection against computer-related eye strain.
Reading on electronic devices
Reading on e-readers or tablets can also cause discomfort. Increasing brightness may help reduce strain, but reading in dim light doesn’t cause long-term damage.
Sleeping with contact lenses
Sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of serious eye infections. Lenses should always be removed at night and disinfected in fresh solution.
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Swimming with contact lenses
Wearing contact lenses while swimming or bathing allows bacteria to enter the eye, which can cause dangerous infections that threaten vision.
Excessive alcohol consumption
Heavy alcohol use can damage tissues in the eye, including the cornea and retina.
People with glaucoma should be especially cautious, as alcohol can accelerate the disease.
Glaucoma and alcohol
Glaucoma gradually damages the optic nerve, and excessive alcohol consumption can speed up this process.
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Poor diet
A nutrient-poor diet raises the risk of vision problems.
Vitamin A supports night vision, vitamin C reduces cataract risk, and omega-3 fatty acids protect against age-related macular degeneration.
Lack of physical activity
Exercise such as walking or swimming lowers eye and blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of glaucoma.
Not removing makeup
Old or glittery makeup products can irritate the eyes. Always remove makeup before bed to avoid dryness and infections.
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Makeup habits that harm the eyes
Applying makeup directly on the lash line can block oil glands, making dry eyes worse.
Sharing makeup
Sharing makeup with others significantly increases the risk of serious eye infections and should be avoided.
Skipping eye protection
During sports, cleaning, gardening, or DIY projects, not wearing protective eyewear increases the risk of injury. Eye protection can reduce injuries by up to 90 %.
Regular eye exams are important
Even without vision problems, a full eye exam is recommended before age 40 to detect cataracts, glaucoma, and other conditions early.
Avoid quick fixes
“Miracle” solutions found online, such as eye exercises or oils that claim to cure cataracts, do not work.
Always consult an ophthalmologist if you have concerns about your eye health.
This article is based on information from Verywell Health.