Everyone knows that staring at the sun can greatly damage your eyes and your vision. It is easy to avoid this danger by not looking at the sky too often. But did you know there are other daily habits causing problems to your eyes that are much harder to ignore?
You might engage in certain behaviors or habits every day that are actually putting a strain on your eyes. Our ophthalmologist Mission Viejo wants you to understand the biggest daily risks on your eyes so you can avoid any damage to your eye or eyesight.
Take a look at some of the worst habits for your eyes and learn how to avoid them.
Lack of Protective Eyewear
The biggest and most common habit that causes eventual damage to the eys is not wearing protective eye gear. Most people don’t realize that spending time outside can really put a strain on the eyes if you aren’t wearing sunglasses. Prolonged exposure to UV rays is bad for both the skin and the eyes.
Make sure that you wear sunglasses and other protective eyewear when you are spending time outside. It is also important to wear safety glasses if you are going to be working with hot oil, chemicals, or car parts.
Smoking Habits
If you are a smoker, you might not be thinking about how your habits are affecting your eyes. You may be aware that smoking is poor for your health, but did you know it can affect your eyesight as well?
Tobacco use increases your risk of developing eye diseases and conditions that can greatly impact your vision. Speak with your doctor about the best ways to reduce and quit your smoking habits while staying healthy.
Screen Time
One of the most common things you will hear about what daily habits put strain on your eyesight is screen time. Staring at a screen might not directly affect your eyesight, but for many people, too much screen time can really dry the eyes out.
If you are spending too much time looking at screens, from playing games on the computer to watching TV, you need to give your eyes a break. Try not to stare at bright screens within an hour before you go to sleep. If your job requires you to look at a computer for most of the day, make sure to take 15-minute breaks throughout the day to give your eyes a rest.
Skipping Eye Appointments
Vision problems may sneak up on you when you least expect it. It is important to schedule regular checkups with your eye doctor so any warning signs can be spotted early. Visiting your ophthalmologist is important for preventative measures. The earlier you can identify a growing problem, the easier it will be to get rid of it before it causes permanent damage to your eyes.
Rubbing Your Eyes Too Much
Do you find yourself constantly rubbing your itchy or burning eyes? It might be compelling to get into the habit of rubbing your eyes, but rubbing too much or too hard can actually cause damage to your eyes.
In some cases, rubbing your eyes can make eye problems even worse. Next time your eyes are feeling itchy, use a cold compress gently on top of your eyes to relieve the sensation.
Get a Vital Assessment ASAP
You should check in with your local ophthalmologist for an eye assessment. If you worry that you participate in any of the habits listed here, you might want to check in on your ocular health.
At Advanced Eye Medical, we offer the latest and greatest in treatments and procedures to help you get your vision and eye health back on track. Invest in the best Orange County cataract surgery and solve your vision problems before permanent damage occurs. Get in touch with Dr. Ghosheh today!