The eyes are a significant component of our bodies and serve an essential function in each and every one of our lives. They are our portals to the outside world and let us see and understand all that is going on in our surroundings. On the other hand, because of the expansion of digital technology and the ever-increasing amount of time spent gazing at screens, the eye strains that people experience today are worse than they have ever been.
This article is going to explain some of the behaviors and habits that are damaging for your eyes and what you can do to protect them.
#1 Not Taking Regular Breaks
Long periods of time spent in front of electronic screens are one of the primary causes of eye injury. Our eyes grow dry and irritated when we gaze at a screen for a lengthy period of time since we have a tendency to blink less during this time. This might result in symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, and impaired vision.
It is essential that you step away from your screen at frequent intervals in order to prevent this. The 20-20-20 rule is a straightforward and practical strategy for alleviating eye strain. Take a break for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, and stare at something that is 20 feet away from you. This will provide your eyes the opportunity to relax and replenish their fluids.
#2 Rubbing Your Eyes
While rubbing your eyes is a habit that a lot of people do, it’s one that can be damaging to your eyes. The sensitive skin surrounding our eyes is easily irritated, and vigorous rubbing may lead to the development of wrinkles and fine lines. Moreover, rubbing your eyes might cause germs to enter your eyes, which can lead to illnesses such as conjunctivitis.
Try applying a warm compress to your eyes instead of rubbing them if you find that you have the want to do so. This will assist to ease any discomfort while ensuring that the sensitive skin surrounding your eyes is not harmed in any way.
#3 Bright Lights Around You
The illumination in your home or place of employment has the potential to significantly affect the health of your eyes. Eye strain, headaches, and overall exhaustion may be caused by an excess or deficiency of light.
Make sure the lighting in the area is neither excessively bright or too dim before you attempt to use a computer or mobile device in that space. Adjust the brightness of your screen to a level that is comfortable for you, and use window coverings such as curtains or blinds to manage the amount of natural light that enters the room.
#4 Sleeping With Your Contact Lenses
It may not seem dangerous to sleep with your contacts in, but doing so puts your eyes at risk for major complications. Long-term use of contact lenses has been linked to symptoms like dryness, redness, and even infections in the eye.
It is essential that you adhere to the use and maintenance recommendations suggested for your contact lenses in order to prevent the aforementioned issues. Take them off before going to bed every night and don’t wear them for any longer than the manufacturer suggests you should.
#5 Not Getting Enough Sleep
Obtaining an adequate amount of sleep is essential to maintaining our general health and well-being, including the health of our eyes. Eye tiredness, dryness, and redness, along with dark circles and puffiness, are all potential side effects of insufficient sleep.
If you want your eyes to have enough time to rest and renew, you need to ensure that you are receiving at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
#6 Smoking
When you smoke, not only are you doing damage to your body as a whole, but you’re also doing damage to your eyes. The chance of developing eye illnesses such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and damage to the optic nerve is increased when a person smokes.
Stopping smoking is the single most important thing you can do for the health of your eyes if you are a smoker. Talk to your doctor or our healthcare experts about how to kick the habit of smoking if you’re concerned that it’s damaging your eye health.
#7 Not Wearing Sunglasses Enough
The sun’s ultraviolet rays are capable of wreaking havoc on our eyes in the same way that they may on our skin. The development of cataracts, macular degeneration, and even cancer of the eye may all result from prolonged exposure to UV radiation.
When you go outdoors, you should safeguard your eyes by wearing sunglasses that block 100 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Wearing a hat with a broad brim is another step you may take to shield your eyes from the sun’s rays.
Why Is It Important To Care For Your Eyes?
Since our eyes are such an integral part of our bodies, it is critical that we develop and maintain practices that are beneficial to their health. If you follow the advice given above, you may lessen the likelihood of sustaining eye injuries and keep your eyes in excellent condition.
In addition to these practices, it is essential to schedule routine checkups with your eye doctor at least once per year. Eye examinations may discover issues in their earliest stages, enabling timely treatment and the avoidance of additional harm.
Keep in mind that our eyes cannot be replaced, therefore we must take proper care of them in order to maintain both our eyesight and our entire health. So, to maintain the health and vitality of your eyes, it is important to occasionally step away from electronic devices, obtain a sufficient amount of rest, always wear protective eyewear, and follow the other advice presented above.
Learn More About Eye Care At Millennium Laser Eye Centers
If you’d like more advice on proper eye care, please give our Millennium Laser Eye Centers professionals a call. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have!
