We damage our eyesight more often than we realize. Most of us only start to worry once problems have already progressed — headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes are common warning signs.
Dr. Jorn Slot Jorgensen of the London Laser Eye Clinic and Evelyn Mensa, an eye surgeon at Central Middlesex Hospital, outlined the everyday threats to our vision.
Prolonged Screen Time
The rise of laptops, tablets, and smartphones has increased screen time both at work and at home. As a result, our eyes are taking on more strain than ever.
Mensa recommends the “20-20-20” rule.
Every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Also blink regularly while using screens to keep your eyes from drying out.
Smoking
Quitting smoking helps both your overall health and your eyesight. Stopping reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
Not Wearing UV-Protective Sunglasses
Not all sunglasses block ultraviolet (UV) light. Wearing ones without proper UV protection exposes your eyes to harmful radiation that can contribute to cataracts, Dr. Jorgensen warned. UV exposure also speeds the growth of surface lesions called pterygia.
Never look directly at the sun; doing so can cause solar maculopathy — a burn to the macula, the central part of the retina that processes what you see straight ahead. Those burns can lead to irreversible vision loss.
Poor Nutrition and Nutrient Deficiency
A healthy, balanced diet lowers the risk of developing eye disease.
The macula contains natural pigments like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are abundant in leafy greens such as spinach and kale, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Vitamins A, C, and E also support vision, so Mensa recommends eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Fatty fish rich in omega-3s is good for eye health, too.
Not Wearing Prescribed Glasses or Contacts
If your ophthalmologist prescribes glasses or contact lenses, wear them. Not wearing your prescribed correction can worsen vision, contribute to the development of strabismus, and increase headaches.
Poor Lighting
Working or reading in poor light causes eye strain and can worsen vision, Dr. Jorgensen says. Good task lighting is vital for eye health.
Why You Should Visit an Ophthalmologist
No matter how many of these risks affect you, keep up with regular eye checkups. Doctors recommend an eye exam at least once every two years to catch problems early.
Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and AMD can develop in their early stages without noticeable symptoms. Regular eye exams can also reveal early signs of diabetes and hypertension.
