Eye health only receives due attention when serious problems arise, such as visual decline, infections or injuries.
Although there are treatments and surgeries capable of correcting many of these problems, the real key to healthy vision is prevention.
We consulted eye doctors to find out what practices they avoid to keep their eyes in tip-top shape. Read on to find out which behaviors are harmful and how you can adopt effective strategies to ensure your vision remains clear and healthy.
1. Avoid scratching or rubbing your eyes
Rubbing or scratching your eyes excessively can have several negative consequences for your eye health. Here are some of the main effects:
Corneal damage: The pressure exerted by rubbing your eyes can cause abrasions on the cornea, the clear layer at the front of your eye. These abrasions can be painful and can lead to serious complications if not treated properly.
Risk of Infections: Rubbing your eyes can transfer dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants into your eyes, increasing your risk of eye infections like bacterial or viral conjunctivitis. Introducing dirt can also lead to more serious infections like keratitis.
Vicious Discomfort: Repeated practice can worsen the itching and discomfort, creating a cycle in which the person rubs their eyes to relieve the sensation, which actually becomes more intense due to the damage caused.
Irritation and Inflammation: Rubbing your eyes can irritate the surface of your eyes and the skin around them, leading to redness, swelling, and discomfort. Constant rubbing can inflame the conjunctiva (the membrane that covers the whites of your eyes and the insides of your eyelids), making conditions like conjunctivitis worse.
Changes in Vision: In more severe cases, excessive rubbing can lead to visual problems, such as changes in the curvature of the cornea, which can affect vision and require correction with lenses or surgery.
Acceleration of aging of the skin around the eyes: Constant rubbing can lead to weakening of the skin around the eyes, contributing to the early development of wrinkles and fine lines.
2. Never take a shower or use tap water to rinse contact lenses.
Never rinse your contact lenses with tap water, shower water, swimming pools or lakes! It may seem harmless, but these practices can put your eye health at serious risk.
Untreated water can contain microorganisms that cause serious infections., such as Acanthamoeba microbial keratitis, also known as corneal ulcer. This infection can lead to permanent blindness and, in extreme cases, require a corneal transplant.
This microorganism is able to survive and proliferate in humid environments and is resistant to many disinfectants. Contact lenses, on the other hand, come into contact with contaminated water, become an ideal environment for Acanthamoeba, as they provide a warm, humid place where the protozoan can lodge and multiply.
Additionally, contact lenses can trap small fragments of contaminated water, making it easier for the eyes to be continuously exposed to the pathogen. The infection can cause severe symptoms, such as intense pain, redness, and blurred vision, and if not treated quickly, can lead to serious complications and even permanent vision loss.
To protect your eyes and ensure the safety of your contact lenses, always use contact lens solution to clean and store your lenses.
Change your lens case regularly and strictly follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions for replacing the lenses.
See some cases:
3. Don't sleep with makeup on
Don't let makeup ruin the health of your eyes! Going to bed without removing your makeup can be a serious mistake. This simple oversight can lead to infections and compromise the lubrication of your eyes., causing discomfort and serious problems.
As we age, the natural lubrication of our eyes decreases, and this is made worse if you wear contact lenses or makeup. Eyelid makeup can obstruct tear production and consequently lubrication, leaving your eyes dry and vulnerable to infections.
Your cornea needs constant lubrication to stay healthy.. Ignoring makeup removal can directly affect this lubrication, causing irritation and discomfort. To protect your eyes and avoid problems, always remove your makeup before going to bed.
If you are experiencing lack of lubrication, using artificial tears can help. Artificial tears are a type of eye drops formulated to mimic the action of natural tears., relieving dryness and keeping your eyes hydrated and comfortable.
They are especially useful for those who have problems with tear production. Unlike other eye drops that can have different purposes, such as treating infections or reducing eye pressure, artificial tears does not contain preservatives and are specifically designed to lubricate the surface of the eyes.
Apply three to four times a day to ensure your eyes remain well cared for and comfortable.
4. Don't stay focused on the screen for too long without taking breaks
Spending long hours staring at a screen without a break can seriously damage your vision. If you spend a lot of time in front of your phone, laptop or even reading a book up close, you are increasing your risk of myopia, especially in young people, and causing eye strain in people of all ages.
Myopia, which usually begins in childhood, can worsen by the end of adolescence. To combat digital eye strain and keep your eyes healthy, adopt the “20-20-20 Rule.”
This means taking a break from 20 seconds every 20 minutes to look at something that is 6 meters away. This simple practice can relieve eye strain and improve the overall health of your eyes.
With aging, the presbyopia, which causes difficulty seeing up close, may develop. This may require procedures such as Monovision LASIK or PRK, where one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision. Other options for treating presbyopia include lens replacement surgery.
Don't underestimate the importance of taking regular breaks. Your vision deserves ongoing care, and these small changes can have a big impact on your eye health over time.
5. Don't sleep with contact lenses
Sleeping with contact lenses may seem harmless, but it's a risk you shouldn't take. Your vision is at stake. Unless your lenses are approved for extended wear, failing to remove them before bed can open the door to painful eye infections and serious damage to your cornea.
Imagine waking up with irritated, sore eyes, or worse, blurry vision. This can happen if you sleep with contact lenses in.
Even if you are extremely tired, or if you take a quick nap in the middle of the day, do not neglect removing the lensesThis small action can make all the difference between keeping your eyes healthy and facing serious complications.
Sleeping with contact lenses creates a perfect environment for microbes and bacteria to multiply on the surface of the lens overnight. The result? Corneal ulcers that can irreversibly threaten your vision. In extreme cases, this can lead to the need for a cornea transplant.
Then, do your eyes a favor: Never sleep with your contact lenses in. This simple change in habit can save your vision and prevent future problems. Remember, your eyes deserve special care.
6. Don’t put off your eye exams: especially if you have diabetes
Not postponing eye exams is a golden rule to ensure the health of your eyes. Never skip an eye exam at least once a year. or every year and a half. This practice is crucial to identify problems early and avoid serious complications.
For those with health conditions that affect vision, such as diabetes, frequency of examinations becomes even more important.
Diabetes can lead to retinopathy, starting with small bleeding in the retina that can progress to serious problems such as swelling, cataract, glaucoma and even retinal detachment, which can cause permanent loss of vision.
Retinopathy can often develop without presenting visual symptoms, so it is essential to have dilated exams at least once a year. These tests allow early detection and appropriate treatment., preventing the progression of conditions that can lead to vision loss.
Don't put off taking care of your vision. Schedule your exams regularly and take care of your eye health now to ensure a future with clear, healthy vision. Remember, prevention is key to keep your eyes in good condition throughout your life.
7. Don't ignore spots in your vision
If you start seeing spots, flashing lights, or a feeling of a curtain crossing your field of vision, these could be serious signs. These symptoms may indicate a problem with the retina., such as a rupture or detachment.
Detecting these problems early is crucial. If your retina is damaged, it may be possible to treat it before the problem gets worse.. If retinal detachment occurs, surgical treatment may be necessary, and how much of your vision can be restored depends on how long the retina has been damaged and how quickly treatment begins.
So if you notice new floats or flashing lights, don't waste time. Call your eye doctor immediately. Ignoring these signs can lead to permanent vision loss. Your vision is precious and deserves immediate attention.
Take good care of your eyes and act fast to ensure they remain healthy and functional.
8. Never look directly at the sun
Even a brief exposure can cause serious damage to your eyes. During events such as solar eclipses, it is common for many people to be tempted to observe the sun through ordinary or improvised sunglasses, which can be extremely harmful
Looking directly at the sun, even for a short period of time, can cause severe damage to the retina., the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that converts light into electrical signals for the brain. This damage can result in permanent loss of vision and other serious eye problems.
To protect your eyes during a solar eclipse or any other time when intense sunlight may be involved, always wear appropriate eye protection.
Glasses designed specifically for solar observation are essential and provide the necessary protection against the dangers of direct sunlight.
9. Avoid smoking and vaping
Don't underestimate the impact of tobacco and vaping on your eye health! Smoking and spraying smoke into your eyes are two of the worst things you can do for your eye health.
These practices are associated with serious diseases that can destroy irreplaceable parts of the eye, such as the retina. People who smoke have a much higher risk of developing cataracts, a condition that causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy and often requires surgery to remove.
Additionally, smoke vapors can cause direct damage to the surface of the eye., leading to corneal abrasions and extremely painful dry eye that may require lifelong treatment.
The best way to ensure the health of your eyes is to avoid smoking. These practices not only harm your overall health, but also directly affect the health of your eyes.
10. Not eating foods that are good for your eyes
Did you know that a lack of vitamins and minerals can severely impact the health of your eyes? Symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, and even the feeling of dry, irritated eyes can be Signs Your Diet Is Deficient in Essential Nutrients.
Here are some nutrients crucial for eye health and the foods you should include in your diet to avoid deficiencies:
Vitamin A: This vitamin is essential for retinal health and night vision. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness and other eye conditions. Foods rich in vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and pumpkin.
Vitamin C: Known for its antioxidant properties, vitamin C helps protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, it may reduce the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration. Sources of vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, kiwis and red peppers.
Vitamin E: Another powerful antioxidant, vitamin E protects eye cells from oxidative damage. It may help prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Foods rich in vitamin E include: almonds, sunflower seeds, avocados and spinach.
Zinc: Zinc is essential for retinal function and eye cell health. Zinc deficiency can lead to impaired night vision and an increased risk of macular degeneration. Good sources of zinc include oysters, red meat, nuts and whole grains.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These fatty acids are important for retinal health and may help prevent dry eye syndrome and macular degeneration. Foods rich in omega-3 are fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines, as well as flax seeds and walnuts.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin: These antioxidants are found in high concentration in the retina and help protect the eyes from damage caused by blue light. Foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin include kale, spinach, corn and eggs.
Selenium: Selenium helps protect eye tissues from damage and inflammation. Good sources of selenium are Brazil nuts, seafood and lean meats.
Incorporating these essential nutrients into your diet can not only help maintain the health of your eyes, but also promote clear, healthy vision as you age. Do not neglect the importance of a diet rich in vitamins and minerals — it is a fundamental pillar for eye health.
Early treatment
Taking care of your eye health isn't just a matter of well-being; it's crucial to maintaining your quality of life. Don't ignore signs like persistent itching, severe pain, redness, or changes in vision. These symptoms could be a warning sign that something serious is happening to your eye health and should be taken seriously.
Each untreated symptom can develop into a serious condition., which can permanently affect your vision. Rubbing your eyes, putting off exams, or postponing treatment will only make the situation worse. The good news is that by acting quickly and seeing an eye doctor as soon as you notice any abnormalities, you can avoid major complications and preserve your vision.
Don't risk your vision by waiting an extra day. Your vision is precious and deserves immediate attention.
Sources and bibliography:
– Effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on aspects of eye health.
– Acanthamoeba Keratitis.
– Nutrition and Eye Health.
– Ultraviolet radiation: benefits, harm , protection.
– Effects of tuxedo on eyepiece health.
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