The world is now in the digital age, wherein screens have become an everyday constant and norm. However, spending too much screen time is bad for the eyes, therefore affecting our vision.
What's worse, many do not know how to protect their eyes while still using computers and gadgets. The power is within your hands by changing your lifestyle choices, diet, and improve eye hygiene. Eye experts have enumerated 20 ways that your lifestyle is destroying your vision and ways to protect it as well.
1. Too Much Sun Exposure
Ophthalmologist Trevor Elmquest, DO, and founder of Elmquest Eye Group, said that sun overexposure is an ever-present danger to the eyes. He advises people to make an effort in wearing wide-brimmed hats, UV sunblocking eyeglasses to protect the eyes from long-term damage. Make sure that these sunglasses block 99%of UVA and UVB rays.
2. The 20-20-20 Rule
Doctors recommend practicing the 20-20-20 rule while staring at computers or gadgets to reduce eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule says that every 20 minutes trying to look away from the screen and focus 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. Also, blink regularly to cleanse and lubricate the surface of the eye. According to studies, people blink less when using computers and gadgets.
Remember a blinking routine, like practice five complete blinking to remoisten the eyes, says optometrist Charissa Lee, OD, the director of education at Johnson&Johnson Vision.
3. Dry Eye Syndrome
Many people unknowingly ruin their vision due to their lifestyle that speeds up the aging process. Oxidative stress can increase as the body increases, and the lifestyle only increases this process. It destroys tissues of the eye susceptible to damage and diseases such as the dry eye syndrome (DES).
DES can cause vision loss if the root cause is not addressed, like insufficient vitamin D, nutrient-poor diet, autoimmune disease, medication, and inflammatory skin conditions.
Aging can be slowed down and protect the eyes simultaneously by creating a lifestyle that keeps the cell's powerhouse healthy. Follow a plant-based, nutrient-rich diet, obtain restful sleep, practice mindful movement, and healthily manage stress.
4. Stress
Registered dietician Jeanette Kimszal said that unmanaged chronic stress could be problematic to physical health and manifest in the ocular system. Research shows that chronic stress that releases cortisol affects the nervous system and affects the brain and eyes, which results in problems in vision.
To fight stress, exercise regularly, spend time with loved ones, relax through meditation and mindfulness techniques, and practice a balanced diet by taking vitamins, inc, omega-3 to maintain healthy vision.
Read Also: New Bionic Eye Could Surpass the Real One: It's Got Night Vision Capability!
5. Rubbing Your Eyes
Anthony Kouri, an orthopedic surgeon from the University of Toledo Medical Center, said that rubbing the eyes too frequently causes microvascular damage to small blood vessels under the skin, leading to dark circles and puffiness. In addition, it also causes premature aging to the skin around the eyes, which causes wrinkles and drooping eyelids.
Ultimately, it is best to keep hands off your eyes and avoid rubbing them to maintain your youthful look and avoid harming your vision.
6. Not Getting Enough Sleep
Kouri also cautions people on not getting enough sleep as it could accelerate the aging process. Not enough sleep at night could lead to bloodshot eyes, dark circles, eye twitching, and blurry vision. Over time, the eyes will suffer popped blood vessels due to eye strain and may experience dry eyes that cause pain, sensitivity to light, and itchiness.
It is advisable to get seven to nine hours of sleep at night for adults to preserve vision and lower the risks of developing cancer, heart disease, stroke, and depression.
7. Not Getting Annual Eye Check-Up
People should not only go to a doctor when they are already experiencing problems with their vision. Even when it seems fair, it is important to have a scheduled annual eye check-up. By doing so, the person would know how healthy their eyes are and identify potential issues like dry eyes, early signs of glaucoma, or a serious case of melanoma.
Read More: The Story Between Carrots and Night Vision
Check out for more news and information on Vision on Science Times.
