You use your eyes for countless tasks everyday. Nevertheless, most people rarely think about just how important their eyes really are. In fact, many parents and children alike are not taking proper care of their eyes. If you’re guilty of any of the following five bad habits, you could be permanently damaging your eye health.
Overusing Eye Drops
Eye drops constrict blood vessels to reduce redness in the eyes. Unfortunately, this effect stops working after a few hours and your eyes may appear even redder than they were to begin with, warns the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Neglecting Goggles
You should wear goggles for more than just swimming — protective eyewear is also necessary for routine tasks, such as mowing the lawn, using chemicals and making repairs that might release debris and other particles that risk scratching your cornea.
Skipping Eye Exams
Many people miss their regular eye exams unless they’re experiencing problems with their eyes or vision, states Planet Vision. However, your optometrist can uncover conditions in their early stages before symptoms become apparent by providing treatment or advice to prevent permanent damage.
Overusing Digital Devices
Although digital devices are an essential aspect of everyday life for most people, it’s important not to spend too much time in front of a screen. Protect your eyes by following the 20-20-20 rule, advises Pacific Eye & Ear Specialists — every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Forgetting to Wear Sunglasses
Most people are aware of the damage that UV rays can have on their skin, but less pay attention to their eyes. Neglecting to wear sunglasses can lead to cellular damage on the surface structures and deep structures of your eyes, warns the National Eye Institute. This can lead to a range of conditions, including macular degeneration, pterygium and cataracts.
Make sure your kids always wear sunglasses by purchasing a stylish pair of shades they will love to wear all summer. Check out the full collection of Real Kids sunglasses to find the perfect pair for your children.