5 Habits You Probably Didn’t Know Are Bad For Your Eyes

Whether you realize it or not, some of your regular habits and best-loved pastimes could be wreaking havoc on your eyes. Don’t hurt your eyesight with bad habits day in and day out. Eliminate five behaviors to keep your vision healthy.

Looking at Your Smartphone All Day

Do your eyes hurt by the end of the day? It could be because you’ve spent hours reading teeny tiny text on your smartphone. You may also notice that your vision is blurry, your eyes are dry and you’re both dizzy and nauseous. Aim to break from your phone at least every 20 minutes. If you read on your phone a lot, adjust the font so that it’s bigger.

Forgetting Your Sunglasses at Home

Not only do sunglasses give you extra style points, but they also provide much-needed protection for your eyes. The harmful UV and HEV rays from the sun can damage your eyes and eyelids (not to mention give you crow’s feet). Prevent issues like cataracts by grabbing your favorite pair of shades before leaving the house. Keep an extra pair in your car if you regularly forget them.

Working in Low Light

Do you love to read or write in your journal at bedtime? Don’t turn down the lights just yet. Even though low lighting will help you relax, doing any type of work in poor lighting can strain your eyes. Make sure you have enough light so that you don’t have to squint or strain to read or write.

Forgoing Your Annual Checkup

Whether you go to the same doctor you’ve had for years or you’re trying out a new place like All About Eyes, don’t skip your yearly eye checkup. You may not even realize that your eye sight has changed. Wearing the same prescription for years can cause unnecessary eye strain and damage. Also, even if your eyesight is exactly the same as it’s always been, your eye doctor checks for diseases that you wouldn’t know about otherwise.

You’re Not Getting Enough Zzzz’s

Your brain isn’t the only thing that needs a break at the end of the day. Your eyes need rest, too. Sleep deprivation can cause eye spasms, redness or irritation. If you notice that your eyes are often red, it’s because they’re not getting the R&R they truly need.

Everyone has bad habits. Knowing the true cost of yours may make breaking them easier. Care for your eyes so that you can enjoy healthy vision even as you age.

5 Habits You Probably Didn’t Know Are Bad For Your Eyes