3 Common Eye Care Mistakes That Endanger Your Vision

More than 90 million adults are at high risk for vision loss in the United States. Some common causes include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

Certain habits can also lead to vision problems. For example, rubbing your eyes can cause thinning of the cornea, which can potentially lead to blindness.

That’s why annual eye exams are so important; they allow you to catch problems before they become an issue.

What other common eye care mistakes are there? For the answers, be sure to keep reading because that’s what we’ll be going over below!

1. 1. Not Wearing Sunglasses

The sun’s ultraviolet rays can increase your risk of developing cataracts, a condition in which protein builds up in the lens of your eye.

Not only that, but it can also cause a condition called photokeratitis. Also known as a corneal sunburn, it occurs when the outer layer of the eye becomes inflamed due to UV ray exposure.

To prevent these problems, it’s important that you wear proper eye protection—not just on sunny days, but on cloudy days as well (the sun’s rays can penetrate through clouds).

And remember, not all sunglasses are the same. For maximum protection, you want to choose a pair that filters 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

1. 2. You Have Poor Eye Makeup Hygiene

Makeup brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria. In fact, studies have shown that they can be dirtier than toilet seats. That’s why it’s so important to wash them regularly, at least once a week.

And never use expired makeup; it can harbor bacteria that can cause eye irritation and infection. How can you tell if something is expired? Give it a sniff. If it smells off, throw it away.

Also, be sure to remove all makeup before bed. You don’t want to sleep with it on as the particles can get into your eyes and that can cause itchiness, irritation, and infection (view here for more information).

1. 3. You Sleep With Contact Lenses In

Sleeping with contacts greatly increases your risk of eye infections. For one thing, the cornea won’t be able to get enough oxygen. As a result, it won’t be able to fight bacteria as effectively.

This can lead to bacterial keratitis, which if left untreated, can lead to permanent scarring that can affect your vision. For example, it can cause excessive tearing, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.

In some cases, it can even result in blindness.

The Importance of Proper Eye Care 

Proper eye care is important when it comes to maintaining healthy eyes. This means wearing sunglasses, practicing proper makeup hygiene, and taking your contacts off before bed. You only have one pair of eyes after all, so it’s crucial that you take good care of them!

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