Learn some of the things that people normally do that can ruin our eyesight. Check out the article we found over at The Science Of Eating.
We’re all guilty of at least one or two shady ocular habits. But how bad is it, really, to leave your sunglasses at home on a sunny day, or to hop into the shower with your contact lenses in when you’re pressed for time?
Even simple actions that seem completely harmless can be more damaging than you might think, says Thomas Steinemann, M.D., a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. When it comes to vision, prevention is key, as all it takes to prevent major problems is a few small, simple, easy steps. If you don’t do them, you can end up with problems that aren’t so easy to fix, and even cause blindness down the road. Here are the top vision-related mistakes everyone from contact lens-wearers and those with 20/20 alike, make, and how to see your way to better vision habits.
Not Eating a Well-Balanced Diet
Diet and nutrition matter greatly when it comes to eye health. In fact, some fruits and vegetables are crucial for it, especially ones with vitamin C and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Add citrus fruits, vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, leafy greens, and fish to your meals as much as possible. What’s even more important is getting plenty of Water. Staying hydrated is key for tear production and keeping eyes well-lubricated. Also, make sure to skip foods high in sodium, which can dehydrate your body.
Using Old Makeup & Sleeping In It
Always remember, anything you put near your eye is a potential risk. And yes, this includes your mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow, and eye creams. Also, throw away your eye makeup after three months according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Bacteria loves to grow in dark, damp places, so your mascara could be a breeding ground to some nasty infections. And always, always remove your makeup before bed.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep deprivation can lead to a number of problems, including weight gain, depression, and decreased immune function. Moreover, a lack of sleep is also hurting your eyes (some symptoms include twitching, dry eyes, blurry vision, and pain. Be sure to get a minimum of seven hours a night and remember, put down that smartphone before bed.
Staring at a Smartphone or Computer Screen Too Long
Reading very small print for prolonged periods of time causes your eyes to work too hard, and straining to read the tiny text on your cell phone may be the reason your eyes hurt day after day, especially if for hours on end. It could also lead to blurred vision, dry eyes, dizziness, and nausea. Put down your phone every 20 minutes to give your eyes a break. You can also make the font on your phone bigger so your eyes aren’t working over time to read that tiny Facebook post. Be sure to also look up from your computer screen and look at something far away every so often.
Sleeping, Showering Or Swimming in Contacts
It may be late and you may be really tired, but that’s not a good excuse for not taking your contacts out. Not only does it increase your risk of an infection, but it could lead to permanent damage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one million Americans visit the eye doctor each year with infections related to wearing contacts. Also, when you take them out at night, make sure your hands are clean and you use extra contact solution. Don’t wear your contact lenses in the shower or while swimming. Lakes, rivers, sea water, swimming pools, and even tap water can all harbor an organism called acanthamoeba, which can cause eye infection.
Next Article: Improve Your Vision With These Exercises
Read full article: WARNING: THESE 11 SEEMINGLY HARMLESS THINGS ARE RUINING YOUR EYESIGHT!
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