Our eyes are one of the most precious organs in our body and they play a vital role in our daily lives. They allow us to see and experience the world around us.

But, sometimes we take them for granted and engage in habits that can have a negative impact on our eyesight. In this article, we will discuss three common habits that can damage your eyesight and what you can do to protect them.

1. Not Wearing Sunglasses

Many people are not aware of the harmful effects the sun can have on their eyes. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to loss of vision.

This is why it is important to wear sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

The American Optometric Association recommends wearing sunglasses every time you go outside, even on cloudy days. When shopping for sunglasses, look for those that have a label stating that they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

Additionally, wearing a wide-brimmed hat can provide extra protection for your eyes and face.

2. Not Taking Breaks from Digital Screens

With many of us spending hours a day staring at screens, it’s not surprising that our eyes can suffer. Digital Eye Strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, can cause dry eyes, headache, blurred vision, and neck and shoulder pain.

It is caused by the blue light emitted by digital screens, which can disrupt our sleep-wake cycles and cause eye strain.

To prevent digital eye strain, it’s important to follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.

You can also adjust the brightness of your screen, use an anti-glare screen filter, and increase the font size of your device. Finally, try to limit your screen time and take regular breaks to rest your eyes.

3. Rubbing Your Eyes

Have you ever rubbed your eyes when you were feeling tired or had an itch? Well, that may feel good in the moment, but it can actually cause harm to your eyes.

Rubbing your eyes too hard can lead to corneal abrasions, which can cause pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. In addition, rubbing your eyes can spread bacteria from your hands to your eyes, which can lead to infections.

If you have an itch or feeling tired, try using eye drops or a warm compress instead of rubbing your eyes. Additionally, make sure to wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading bacteria to your eyes.

Conclusion

As we can see, there are several habits that we engage in that can damage our eyesight. By taking small steps to protect our eyes, we can reduce the risk of developing eye conditions and maintain good eye health.

Remember to wear sunglasses, take breaks from digital screens, and avoid rubbing your eyes. By doing so, we can continue to enjoy the beautiful world around us.