There are numerous lifestyle factors that can lead to poor eye health. While you can’t control aging, you can take stock of the daily activities that may be affecting your eyesight. Take control of your eye care by avoiding the following causes of vision problems. 

What Harms Eyesight?

1. Excessive Screen Time

Staring at a screen for extended periods can dry your eyes and may even be linked to myopia in children and adults. Eye care experts recommend the 20-20-20 rule to give your eyes a break. Take 20-second breaks every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away from you.

2. Smoking

Smoking not only dries out and irritates your eyes, but it also leads to vision loss. Smoking can lead to significant problems down the road, such as cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Even switching to nicotine patches or gum can prevent excessive damage to your eyes. 

3. Sun Exposure

To combat damage from the sun’s UV rays, wear larger, UV-filtering sunglasses year-round, even on cloudier days. The sun’s beams can reflect off of water and snow, so it’s important to wear sunglasses when spending time outdoors during any season. 

4. Inadequate Diet

A balanced diet benefits the entire body, including the eyes. Eating poorly is linked to significant health issues like high blood pressure, which can result in macular degeneration due to a lack of integral vitamins. Experts recommend foods rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin to maintain your eye care.

5. Expired Cosmetics 

Because bacteria can build up on expired makeup products, it’s best to follow industry guidelines and replace eye shadows and eyeliners every three months to prevent an increased chance of infection. Furthermore, wash application brushes frequently using soap and water or a certified cleaning solution. 

For expert eye care services, head to Graham Optical in Fort Smith and Greenwood, AR. Serving the community since 1964, this exceptional team of eye care specialists performs a number of services, including routine eye exams, glaucoma and cataracts treatments, and dry eye relief. They also offer a broad range of frames that’ll help you see with style. Call (479) 782-6737 or visit their website for more information.