Life is unfair, and one of the many things in life that are totally out of our control is how well we can see. The genetic lottery can be harsh sometimes. It’s either we get that perfect, much sought-after 20/20 vision, that nightmare of eyesight that requires vision impairment aids, or maybe just somewhere in between.
Changes in our eyesight are normal, especially as we age, but there are certain habits that make those changes come a lot faster. Our eyesight is bound to deteriorate, but we can help delay the process by avoiding some seemingly harmless habits that contribute to developing vision problems.
Simple everyday activities such as swimming in your contact lenses or taking a five-minute cigarette break can cause dry, itchy eyes and even infections. It’s not just the discomfort that you should worry about. When you do nothing to take care of your eye health, you’ll have to deal with much bigger eyesight-related problems in the long run.
So, here’s a list of things you should stop immediately to make sure your eyes stay in great condition for as long as possible.
Rubbing Your Eyes
We understand how annoying itchy eyes can be, but rubbing your eyes, especially when your hands aren’t clean, can make the problem even worse. Not only do you risk scratching your eyes, but you’ll also end up putting unnecessary pressure on them. Here’s what you can do. If you experience itchiness, use a cold compress instead of rubbing your eyes with your bare hands. If the irritation is caused by something that got inside your eyes, head to the restroom and flush it out gently with water. If the problem persists, visit an ophthalmologist.
Spending Too Much Time On Your Screens
Yes, this can be unavoidable, especially if you work in front of computers every day for eight hours or more. But, while screens are a regular part of our daily routine, spending way too much time looking at them can cause severe eye problems when done continuously.
Activities such as playing video games, watching TV, browsing the Internet on your laptop or desktop computers, and using your cell phones regularly cause dry, red, and itchy eyes. This is because doing all these activities means we don’t blink as much.
So, when looking at screens seem inevitable, make sure to take enough breaks to give your eyes enough time to rest and feel better. In addition, avoid staring at bright screens late at night, as this can cause eye strain and problems with your sleep patterns.
Misusing Eye Makeup
Applying makeup is fun. You get to be creative while looking great at the same time. However, you need to be extra careful when using them. Makeup products are made of chemicals, so when you use them near your eyes, you have to be mindful of how you apply them. Do not put eyeliner or mascara too close to your waterline as this can cause bacteria build-up. Also, never sleep with makeup on. Doing so is as bad for your skin as it is for your eyes. Get some high-quality eye makeup remover to make sure you get rid of every residue before going to bed.
Break the Habit
Now that you know which habits spell trouble for your eyes, it is time to put a stop to them. It might be tempting to rub your eyes, go on a video game marathon, or even sleep with makeup on after a tiring day, but the consequences are not worth it. Protect your eyes by breaking these bad habits as soon as you can.