why you must have a yearly eye exam

5 Common Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Eyes

Having good eyesight is truly a gift, yet many people take it for granted. Your eyes help you see the miraculous world around you and should be appreciated each day. It is possible that you may be harming your vision without even realizing it.

Here are some common mistakes that could hurt your eyes.

Sleeping With Contacts In

When you have had a long day and just want to go to bed, it may be tempting to leave your contacts in. However, sleeping with your contact lenses deprives your eyes of oxygen, increasing your risk of corneal ulcers. To avoid this, remove your contacts before you start to feel too tired.

Staring at the Computer Screen Too Long

If you work a desk job, you likely have to be in front of a computer for several hours each day. Unfortunately, staring at a screen without breaks can lead to eye strain and blurry vision. To protect your eyes from damage, do not forget to look away from your screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds at an object 20 feet away.

Forgetting to Wear Sunglasses

It is important to wear sunglasses all year round, not just in the summertime. If you stare directly into the sun without protection, it can increase your risk of developing cataracts. Leave a pair of sunglasses in your bag or car so that you always have them.

Skipping Eye Exams

If your vision seems fine, you may be tempted to avoid annual eye exams. However, many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, do not show symptoms in the early stages. An eye doctor can detect early signs of eye conditions during your exam, so never skip it. 

Ignoring Eye Issues

If you have an eye issue that persists for a long period of time, you should not just ignore it. For instance, if you have been experiencing eye pain or blurry vision for weeks, you should make an appointment to see an eye doctor right away. He or she will diagnose the issue and recommend the appropriate treatment. 

If you wait too long to get a problem checked out, it can get worse and become more difficult to treat.

If you avoid making these common mistakes, you can keep your vision in good shape. If it has been over a year since your last eye exam, schedule an appointment with an ophthalmology clinic as soon as possible.


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