Our eyes are the windows to our soul and are one of the most important organs. We use them all day and are often exposed to various stimulus that can cause damage.

In this article, we will discuss the top 10 harmful habits that can lead to eye damage if not taken care of.

Habit 1: Not Wearing Sunglasses

Exposure to sunlight can cause serious damage to our eyes. The UV rays can lead to problems like cataracts, macular degeneration, and corneal sunburn. Wearing sunglasses that have UV protection can help protect against these harmful rays.

Make sure to wear them whenever you’re outside during the day.

Habit 2: Not Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for our body to function properly. Our eyes need rest just like any other part of our body. Lack of sleep can cause eye strain, which can lead to blurry vision, itchy eyes, and headaches.

Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

Habit 3: Rubbing Your Eyes

When we rub our eyes, we put pressure on the eyeball which can cause damage. This habit can cause scratches on the cornea, which can lead to infections or even blindness.

Try not to touch your eyes too often and if they feel itchy, use a clean tissue or eye drops to relieve the discomfort.

Habit 4: Using Digital Screens for Too Long

We spend most of our day looking at digital screens like computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This habit can cause eye strain, dry eyes, and blurry vision. Make sure to take frequent breaks from your screen and give your eyes a rest.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule, which means taking a break every 20 minutes and looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Habit 5: Smoking

Smoking is not only harmful to our lungs but also our eyes. It increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of eye damage.

Habit 6: Not Eating a Healthy Diet

A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for maintaining healthy eyes. Nutrients like Vitamin A, C, E, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc can help prevent problems like macular degeneration, cataracts, and dry eyes.

Include foods like fish, nuts, leafy greens, carrots, and sweet potatoes in your diet.

Habit 7: Not Keeping Your Contact Lenses Clean

Wearing contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infections. It’s essential to keep them clean to prevent bacteria buildup. Clean them properly with the recommended solution and replace them when needed.

Habit 8: Not Using Eye Protection

We often forget to use eye protection when doing certain activities like welding, playing sports, and working with power tools. These activities can cause eye damage due to debris, chemicals, and sharp objects.

Always wear protective gear like goggles, safety glasses, or helmets when needed.

Habit 9: Not Getting Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams can help detect and prevent problems before they become serious. Eye exams can help detect problems like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

Make sure to get a comprehensive eye exam every 2 years or as recommended by your eye doctor.

Habit 10: Using Textured or Decorative Contact Lenses

Wearing textured or decorative contact lenses may seem like a fun idea, but they can cause serious eye damage. These lenses are often sold without a prescription and can cause infections, corneal scratches, and even blindness.

Avoid using these lenses and stick to prescription lenses instead.