Having good eyesight is something we all take for granted until issues arise. We are often too engrossed in our daily lives, failing to see that our vision allows us to enjoy so many activities. They quite literally serve as our windows to the world. Taking a pause and considering the gift of sight should be the norm, as opposed to only taking heed when it begins to fail. Our eye health should be among our top priorities. With little effort, we can take better of our eyes and keep our vision in pristine condition. Prevention is better than cure, after all, and that applies with eyesight. To get started, here are some of the most common eye care mistakes we commit—it’s best to avoid them from now on!
1 – Rubbing and touching your eyes
Because of constant use and exposure, our eyes can feel irritated and scratchy. Your first instinct will be to reach our and rub, but seeing as the eyes are one of our most sensitive areas, caution must be taken. If you wish to take good care of your eyes, limit the number of times you touch them. If it cannot be helped, ensure that your fingers are sanitized. Rub it gently with your eyelid closed but if the itching persists, don’t hesitate to visit your doctor.
2 – Using expired drops and other solutions
Dry eyes will have us reaching for drops and solutions without paying attention, but remember to always read the label. You may end up putting an expired product on your eyes, which could potentially harm you. To avoid accidents like this, clear out your medicine cabinet for any expired products.
3 – Sleeping with contact lenses on
Do you sleep with contact lenses? If so, you’re not the only one—it’s a common mistake most people are guilty of, as it is often done out of sheer forgetfulness or those pesky bouts of laziness. Contact lenses can be worn throughout the day and evening, as well as through short naps. However, they should never be worn at night as you sleep. These lenses prevent your cornea from accessing oxygen, making it an area where bacteria can easily thrive in and infections can form.
4 – Staring at screens too much
Unfortunately, the use of smartphones and computers is now an essential part of our daily lives. In more ways than one, these devices provide ease and convenience for your profession. If you find yourself facing these electronics for hours at a time, making sure to take regular breaks. Get up from your table and walk away from the screen. Performing simple eye exercises can also help, such as rapid blinking. Moreover, make sure to rest them by taking naps!
Conclusion
The mistakes listed above may be harmless and simple, but ignoring them can lead to dangerous conditions that ultimately impair your vision. Make time to keep your eyes healthy and if possible, schedule annual eye screen exams at an eye centre. Problems may be forming without your knowledge and early attention ensures you receive the right treatment before they progress.
If you’re looking for an ophthalmologist in Abbotsford, we are the best eye centre for you. With years of professional experience, we offer you eye exams, checkups, laser eye surgeries, and every form of eye care you could need. Let us help you take care of your eyesight—book a consultation today!
***Disclaimer: “This blog post does not replace medical advice and should not be implemented prior to consulting a fully certified medical professional.” *
