Your eyes are hard at work all day long. Scheduling annual eye exams is the most proactive way to stay on top of their health and prevent eye diseases from developing. Here’s what you can do between the yearly appointments to safeguard your vision.

How You May Be Hurting Your Eyes

1. Rubbing Them

Although this habit is quick, simple, and seemingly harmless, rubbing your eyes can hurt them. This act introduces germs to the area, which can cause an infection. If you have a pre-existing problem, like nearsightedness or glaucoma, the pressure from rubbing your eyes can potentially worsen your vision.

Additionally, dust, eyelashes, and other particles in your eye will scratch the cornea when you rub them. Even if there isn’t eye debris present, prolonged rubbing will eventually weaken the cornea over time, causing it to push forward and develop a conical shape that can distort your vision.

2. Not Wearing Sunglasses

Your eyes are exposed to the sun’s UV light whenever you’re outside, even if you’re driving or standing in a shaded area. Repeated contact with these harmful rays damages the cornea and lens—this leads to eye diseases, like cataracts and pinguecula.

Wearing 100% UV-rated sunglasses is the most effective way to protect your eyes outdoors. If you have vision problems and tend to wear glasses more than contacts, get prescription sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.

3. Smoking

Smokers are twice as likely to develop macular degeneration. This incurable eye disease is caused by the deterioration of the macula. Smoking speeds up the degradation by reducing blood flow and oxygen to the eye. Quitting can reduce your risk, and if you already have macular degeneration, kicking the habit can help slow the condition’s progression.

If you want to take charge of your eye health, turn to the team at West Valley Vision Center in Fairbanks, AK. These professionals have helped their patients avoid and alleviate vision issues since 1994. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (907) 479-4700 to schedule an appointment.