5 Sneaky Ways You're Hurting Your Vision

Are you sabotaging your vision without realizing it? Watch this video to find out.

Bad news: Some of the things you do every day might be damaging your long-term eye health. The good news is that most of them are easy fixes. Here’s what you need to know. 

Eye exams are an essential part of your health care routine. Book an appointment with your America’s Best optometrist today! Click here to find a time that fits your schedule. 

Culprit No. 1: Your Technology Habits  

Having your smartphone in your face 24/7 may be helping your Instagram follower count but it’s hurting your sleep and long-term eye health. Use the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes look away from your screen and focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. And, keep your tech out of the bedroom. The blue light from phones and tablets is linked to eye diseases like macular degeneration.  

Culprit No. 2: Runaway Stress  

Stress from work, family, and daily life isn’t just bad for your emotional health. Make a point every day to treat yourself to something that relaxes you, even if it’s just five minutes of deep breathing or reading a chapter of your book.  

Culprit No. 3: Your Comfy Chair  

Adults who get a moderate amount of exercise are 25% less likely to develop serious eye issues. Aim for 30 minutes each day and break it up if it’s too hard to fit it in all at once. Try this: a brisk 10-minute walk on your lunch break, another 20-minute walk while your kids are at soccer practice.  

Culprit No. 4: Cheap Sunglasses  

A good pair of sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection as a sunscreen you’re slathering on. Even on cloudy days, wearing sunglasses might just be the easiest way to protect your eyes. Plus, you get a bonus style boost. Use this guide to find the best sunglasses for you.  

Culprit No. 5: Your Mascara  

Taking your eye makeup every night can be a real struggle, but when you don’t, leftover makeup goops up your eyes while you sleep, and you find yourself waking up to red, irritated eyes, or even an infection. Gross! Rake a few minutes with a makeup wipe to avoid days or weeks of eye irritation. Also, make sure to replace your eye makeup every three months to avoid bacteria.  

Follow these tips and you’ll see the difference for years to come.  
 

Recommended Reading