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Please Note: This is a paid article that is presented for informational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness. If you have any health concern, see a licensed healthcare professional in person. This article does not constitute an endorsement or approval of this product or any claim, statement or opinion used in promotion of this product.
It’s easy to take your eyes for granted, especially if you have perfect vision. Behind the scenes, though, bad habits take a toll on your eye’s ability to function and stay healthy. Here are six daily ways you could be moving away from 20/20 vision.
Wearing old contact lenses
When you find a comfortable brand of contacts, it’s easy to forget that you’re wearing them. Unfortunately, neglecting to swap out lenses regularly can cause serious problems for your short- and long-term eye health.
In addition to itching and burning, extended contact wear can cause light sensitivity, eye ulcers, and blood vessel overgrowth.
If time and money tempt you to stretch the limits of your contacts, try ordering from a company like 1800 Contacts. This online retailer can auto-ship your prescription at discount prices, saving you from making the trip to pick up your new order.
Too much screen time
Self-control is challenging, especially when it comes to screen time. The convenience, efficiency, and entertainment value are hard to resist, but blue light-emitting devices create eye strain and make it harder for you to fall asleep.
Try limiting your screen time, testing out “dark mode” on your apps, and wearing blue-light-blocking glasses to save your eyes from fatigue.
Skipping out on sunglasses
It’s common knowledge that you should protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, but did you know that your eyes need sun protection too?
Exposure to sunlight is one of the leading causes of macular degeneration and cataracts, both of which can lead to blindness as you age.
For that reason, sunglasses rated for UV protection are necessary accessories when you venture outdoors. If you wear glasses or contacts, it’s worth the extra cash to invest in a pair of prescription sunglasses.
Missing your annual with an eye doctor
Even if you don’t have any apparent symptoms of eye damage, you should still visit an optometrist at least once a year.
In addition to finding more minor signs of eye distress that can compound over time, your doctor can also see other signs of health concerns by examining the fluids, blood vessels, and optic nerve of your eyes.
Expert eyes can also see signs of other diseases, like diabetes before other symptoms develop. This advance notice can potentially save you from more severe complications, including blindness, later.
Excessive eye rubbing
Do you tend to rub your eyes when they’re dry and tired?
While it might help them feel refreshed at the moment, rubbing transfers all of the bacteria and grime from your fingers into your eyes, which can lead to irritation, burning, and even conjunctivitis, also called “pink eye.”
Over time, this naughty eye habit also thins out the cornea, creating areas where eye fluid can push outward and cause permanent damage. It can also break the tiny blood vessels in the eye, leading to discoloration. Wash your hands before touching your face or eyes, and avoid using force on your eye area.
Not eating your fruits and veggies
Forgoing your leafy greens means that your eyes are missing out on essential vitamins. With the proper diet, you can give your eyes vital proteins and antioxidants that they require to continue their crucial work.
A few of the pillars to eye health include vitamins A, B, C, and E. These nutrients help your eyes maintain clarity, fight against irritation, and maintain their structural integrity.
Wrapping up
Your eyes work hard every day doing battle against a whole bevy of damage that could threaten your sense of sight. Show your eyes some TLC by breaking lousy habits, and your vision is sure to thank you.
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