5 Eye Care Mistakes You're Making

5 Eye Care Mistakes You're Making

Did you know that our sense of sight is responsible for 80% of what we perceive? Yet, eye care is not much of a priority unless a glaring problem crops up. This is despite the fact that many eye problems are completely preventable – with proper eye care on a regular basis. Here are 5 eye care mistakes you may be making, and what to do instead.

5) Staring at devices all the time

Starting your day with looking at your phone, to working on your computer, then crashing in front of the telly and finally reading a book on Kindle before bedtime – the blue screen is ruling our lives. Staring at screens for a long period of time causes eye strain, headaches and blurred vision. Take frequent breaks and look away from the screen. Follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on an object 20 feet away.

4) Not wearing sunglasses

Your sunglasses are not just a style statement (though they do that job very well, indeed!). Continuous exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays can damage your eyes’ natural lens. It can also lead to cataracts as well as cause macular degeneration, which eventually leads to sight loss. Choose a pair of sunglasses that blocks at least 99% of UVB rays and at least 95% of UVA rays. Do not buy sunglasses labelled as ‘cosmetic’.

3) Rubbing your eyes

This is the easiest way to pick up eye infections. Your eyes have a protective mucous membrane, which is a moist tissue that is an ideal condition for bacteria to grow. So if you shake someone’s hand or touch contaminated surfaces, and then rub your eyes, you are transmitting those germs to your eyes, which can lead to an infection. Another reason to keep your hands away from your eyes – rubbing them too hard can cause the delicate blood vessels in your eyes to rupture.

2) Wearing contact lenses to bed

This is one of the most common mistakes made by contact lens users. Extended use of contact lenses, especially overnight, deprives your corneas of oxygen. It can also encourage bacterial growth and cause eye infections. Always remove your lenses before you go to bed, clean and store them correctly. If you do sleep with your lenses on, don’t remove them right away – your eyes may have dried out and you may damage your corneas while removing the lenses. Wait for at least 30 minutes and remove the lenses after lubricating your eyes.

1) Not getting regular eye exams

Deterioration in eyesight is a gradual process, and can go unnoticed – if you do not get your eyes examined on a regular basis. An eye examination not only checks whether your vision is ship-shape, but also looks at your overall eye health. Eye tests can also detect other health issues, such as diabetes, tumours and heart diseases. It’s a good idea to get a thorough eye test at least every year.

Drop in at your local Leightons Opticians branch for an eye test or book an appointment online. While you’re at the store, browse through our large collection of glasses and designer sunglasses. Our qualified optometrists will help you in selecting the right pair of glasses or contact lenses. They will also guide you on the best way to take care of your eyes.