Our eyes are precious organs which help us see and navigate the world around us. However, many of us tend to take our vision for granted and may actually be engaging in habits that can lead to eye problems in the future. While some eye conditions are hereditary, many vision problems can be caused by a number of different factors. Some of these factors may actually be things you do on a daily basis.
To help patients understand the importance of good ocular care, we’ve put together a list of common bad habits, as identified by an eye specialist in Singapore, and how they can potentially affect your vision.
Not Wearing Sunglasses
Sunglasses do more than shield your eyes from bright sunlight. They actually protect your eyes from harmful UV and high-energy visible (HEV) rays. Extended exposure to UV and HEV rays have been linked to cataract development, macular degeneration, photokeratitis, and a number of other eye conditions. UV exposure can also damage the surrounding tissue of your eyes and can lead to skin cancer of the eyelid.
Sunglasses offer a simple yet effective solution against the danger of sunlight for your eyes. Be sure to choose sunglasses that block 100% of sun rays. These sunglasses are labelled with UV 400 to show that they are effective at blocking unwanted radiation.
Learn More: Cataract Surgery in Singapore: Warning Signs You May Have Cataracts
Smoking
Smoking has been linked to a number of different health issues and also has negative impacts on eye function. Cigarette smoke irritates the eye and research has shown that it can lead to eye diseases like macular degeneration, dry eyes, cataracts, uveitis, and diabetic retinopathy. These diseases all require medical treatment from a trained eye specialist to ensure they don’t worsen over time.
Smoking also reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the blood vessels supplying the eye which can lead to deterioration in eyesight.
Rubbing Your Eyes
All of us have probably rubbed our eyes for some relief at some point in our lives. An occasional light knuckle rub is unlikely to cause issues but constant, frequent eye rubbing can damage your cornea leading to a condition known as keratoconus. If your eyes are always itchy, it might be better to visit an eye specialist to find the underlying cause.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Tears and moisture in general play important roles in regulating eye function. If your body is dehydrated, your eyes may not produce enough tears to keep them moisturised and nourished. This can lead to your eyes becoming dry, red, and puffy. A simple fix would be to ensure that you are drinking enough water throughout the day.
Not Using Proper Light
If you work in an office, look at screens frequently, or engage in activities that involve staring at objects in close proximity, then you are putting your eyes under additional strain. Over time this can lead to a number of issues, especially if the lighting in your room or office is not suitable.
Dim light increases the strain on your eyes as you work and causes severe eye fatigue. Excessive light on the other hand can cause issues with screen glare. A well-lit room that is not overly harsh can help take the pressure off your eyes and make it easier for you to see and work.
Not going for regular eye exams
Regular visits to an eye specialist can help identify and diagnose vision problems and eye diseases at an early stage. Some eye conditions often have no warning signs until there is permanent vision loss and detecting them early can make a large difference to your quality of life. Early detection can lead to preventive measures being taken which can help ensure that your eyesight remains problem-free for years to come.
At Nova Eye Centre we aim to deliver quality eye care with a wide range of Ophthalmological services which include Lasik vision correction in Singapore, cataract surgery, glaucoma screening and management, eyelid surgery, and treatment of childhood myopia. Reach out to us today to find out more, and make an appointment with our clinic.