Three Bad Habits That Might Be Sabotaging Your Eye Health

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Your eyes allow you to enjoy the beauty of the world around you, so it's important to take great care of them. Unfortunately, a lot of people develop habits that are bad for their eyes. Some of these habits may not have consequences for many years, but once they've done their damage, there's no turning back the clock. If you want your eyes to stay healthy for years to come, avoid these bad habits.

Not wearing your sunglasses.

Sunglasses are not just a fashion statement. They're not just to help you see more clearly when it's bright outside, either. Good quality, UV-blocking sunglasses protect your eyes from dangerous UV rays. This lowers your risk of eye cancer, macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye conditions.

If you find sunglasses uncomfortable, visit an optician and have a custom, comfortable pair made for you so that you don't mind wearing them. In fact, get two pairs made. Then, leave one in your car and pack one in your purse or bag so that you're never without them.

Staring at the computer screen all day with the brightness turned up too high.

These days, so many people have jobs that require them to spend all day in front of a computer screen. Not only can this lead to dry and irritated eyes, but it can also cause migraines and headaches. Even if you must spend a significant portion of your day in front of a computer screen, there are ways to make this less harmful:

  • Take a break every 30 minutes, even if you just glance away for 30 seconds
  • Turn the brightness down and the contrast up
  • Wear glare-blocking computer glasses (These come with non-prescription lenses if your eyesight is 20/20.)

Using old and outdated makeup and cosmetics.

Any cosmetics that touch your eyelids or the tissues around your eyes are exposed to bacteria. Over time, that bacteria replicates within the cosmetic product, putting you at risk of an eye infection when you use it. Yet, so many people use products like eyeliner, mascara, and eye cream for way too long. To protect yourself from eye infections, make sure you discard mascara after 3 months. Liquid eyeliners should be tossed after 3 months too, and cream eyeshadows after 6 months. Never use a product past its expiration date, and don't share cosmetics, either.

If you avoid using contaminated and outdated cosmetics, are better about wearing your sunglasses, and develop better screen habits, your eyes will thank you for years to come. For more information, contact Dr Specs Optical in Penticton or a similar location.

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5 April 2016

Going To The Eye Doctor

Do you remember the last time you thought about the quality of your vision? Although it can be easy to write off vision problems as a simple frustration, taking the time to visit your eye doctor might help you to take care of important aspects of your day to day life. In addition to making your vision more comfortable with the right pair of frames or the right contact lenses, going to the eye doctor might also help you to keep up with your overall eye care. If you have an undetected disease or illness, your eye doctor might mention it before it affects your health. Read this blog for more information.