Our vision deteriorates as we age. We know we can do things to slow down this process, such as having a healthy lifestyle and maintaining eye hygiene. However, many aren’t aware that some habits can have the opposite effect and ruin your eyes’ health.
Read on to learn what these habits are.
Getting Too Much Sun
Spending too much time in the sun can damage our eyes from exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays. That isn’t a rule only in the summer; too much sun harms our eyes regardless of the season.
To prevent jeopardizing your vision, wear hats and protect your eyes with UV-blocking contact lenses and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Ignoring the 20-20-20 Rule
Many people spend most of their days looking at the computer screen. By following the 20-20-20 rule, you can reduce the symptoms of eye strain and protect your vision.
The rule is quite simple: After 20 minutes of looking at the screen, you should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Using Expired Makeup
Makeup such as eyeshadow, mascara, or eyeliner can easily come in contact with our eyes. If you’re using expired products, you increase the risk of developing an infection that could damage your eyes.
Be careful about the expiration dates on your makeup. Plus, don’t forget to remove makeup each day thoroughly, and don’t share it.
Stressing Out
A recent study showed stress could be related to vision loss. Chronic stress causes an increase in cortisol (the stress hormone) levels. This increase can damage our nervous system, which leads to numerous consequences when it malfunctions, including impaired vision.
Take Care of Your Eyes
In addition to developing healthy habits and consuming the right foods, regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good vision. As a rule of thumb, you should get your eyes checked every two to three years. If you’re wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses, do it more frequently.
