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If you keep up with optometry exams, wear corrective lenses as prescribed, and eat a well-balanced diet, you might think that you’re doing all you should to protect your eyes. However, people tend to engage in a variety of daily habits that can cause a wide number of eye care problems. If you want to protect your vision, here are a few surprising and common activities that could put your sight at risk—and how you can address them. 

5 Surprising Ways You Might Jeopardize Your Eye Care

1. Sun Exposure

In addition to being harmful to skin, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays over time can also contribute to a higher risk of eye diseases—such as cataracts and macular degeneration. To avoid these problems, invest in a high-quality pair of polarized sunglasses that offer broad-spectrum UV protection.

2. Excessive Screen Time

After staring at a screen for extended periods, the blue light emitted from a digital device can cause eyestrain—a problem characterized by blurry vision, dryness, and headaches. Apart from reducing your screen time, you can prevent these issues by wearing special glasses that filter out blue light. When you use screens, take a break every 20 minutes and stare at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds as a way to prevent digital strain.

3. Extra Salty Snacks

eye careThe next time you order French fries or popcorn, try eating the snack with less salt or opting for a different seasoning. Consuming too much sodium can raise your blood pressure, which can damage optical blood vessels and nerves. This damage can eventually lead to vision loss.

4. Goggle-Free Swims

Although it can kill harmful bacteria, swimming pool chlorine can be irritating to the eyes, causing temporary itchiness and dryness. If you swim in untreated water—such as a lake or river—there’s also a chance that bacteria in the water could cause an infection. Wearing watertight goggles is the best way to avoid these dangers and maintain comfortable eye care.   

5. Shared Makeup

Sharing eye cosmetics can increase your risk of catching harmful bacteria that can lead to infections—such as pink eye. If you use mascara or eyeliner, always make sure to use your own products and not share them. You should also make sure to wash your hands and use sterile applicator tools.

 

Since vision problems often develop slowly over time, it’s critical to keep up with routine vision exams. If you’re due for a checkup, turn to Midwest Eye Center: A Division of TriState Centers for Sight. Providing comprehensive eye care to the northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, OH, areas, these experienced optometrists will provide in-depth exams to screen for vision loss and ocular diseases. With an individualized approach, these compassionate specialists will introduce you to solutions to improve and protect your sight—such as laser eye surgery, prescription glasses, and contact lenses. Visit this clinic online to learn more about their services, or call (859) 525-6215 to schedule an appointment.

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