Near- and farsightedness, astigmatism, and other eye conditions typically develop beyond your control. However, others come from a lifetime of bad habits. Many permanently damaging conditions are preventable, which is why you should make changes now. Below are a few mistakes you may be guilty of, and some vision care tips to protect your eyes.

Ways You May Be Damaging Your Vision

1. Smoking

No matter how you look at it, smoking tobacco is harmful to your body. It's proven to lead to blindness and increase your chances of developing cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and other eye diseases that can cause permanent blindness. By quitting, you'll improve all aspects of your health and take a significant stride toward preserving your vision.

2. Staring at Screens Too Long

Between tablets, smartphones, TVs, and computers, people spend a significant portion of their days staring at screens. Long-term exposure to blue light can lead to a condition called digital eye strain that results in pain, dryness, and other troublesome side effects. You can prevent this by following the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look away from the screen at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

3. Rubbing Your Eyes

Your hands host countless bacteria at any given time, which you can transfer to your eyes any time you rub them. Some may cause infections, and if you have small debris on your hands, you may also lacerate your eyelids or introduce foreign bodies into your eye. While washing your hands regularly will keep bacteria at bay, your best bet is to stop rubbing your eyes.

4. Eating Poorly

Studies have shown that a poor diet can impact vision. When you deprive your body of essential nutrients, it can damage your optic nerve, resulting in long-term vision issues.

To avoid this, ditch junk food and start enjoying an eye-friendly diet. Oily fishes are rich in omega 3s, which keep your eyes hydrated and healthy, and you'll find plenty of vitamins in nuts. Also, eat dark leafy greens and carrots for a health boost, and enjoy beef to get your fill of zinc.

Vision care exams are also important to eye health, so contact The Whitefish Eye Center if you're overdue. This eye doctor has welcomed patients of every age from throughout Flathead County, MT, for over 50 years, treating everything from basic vision care issues to eye diseases. You can begin exploring eyeglasses, contact lenses, and more on their website today, or call (406) 862-2020 to schedule an eye exam.