Eyesight is one of our most valuable senses, yet every day we make small, often unnoticed choices that can harm it. Excessive use of digital devices, poor nutrition, or skipping regular eye check-ups can all lead to long-term vision problems.
The good news? Even small lifestyle changes can make a big difference for your eye health!
1. Too Much Screen Time
We all spend hours in front of computers, phones, and TVs. Long periods of close-up focus cause “digital eye strain”: dryness, blurred vision, headaches, and neck tension. What to do: follow the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (around 6 meters) away for at least 20 seconds. Your eyes will thank you.
2. Leaving Sunglasses at Home
UV radiation damages the eyes even on cloudy days. Without proper protection, it can increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Solution: invest in quality sunglasses that block at least 95% of UVA and UVB rays, and wear them year-round.
3. Rubbing Your Eyes
It may seem harmless, but constant rubbing can injure the cornea and lead to keratoconus —
a condition that causes thinning and irregular shape of the cornea, resulting in distorted vision. Alternative: if your eyes itch, use a cool compress or artificial tears instead.
4. Sleeping with Contact Lenses On
Unless your lenses are approved for overnight wear, sleeping in them can significantly increase your risk of eye infectionsand corneal injury. Rule: always remove your lenses before sleep — even if you’re tired.
5. Poor Diet
The quality of your vision strongly depends on what you eat. A lack of vitamins A, C, E, lutein, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids accelerates vision decline. What to eat: leafy greens, carrots, citrus fruits, berries, flax seeds, and algae-based oils — all of these help support eye health.
6. Skipping Eye Exams
Many serious eye diseases (like glaucoma or retinal changes) develop silently, without symptoms.
By the time you notice something wrong, it might be too late. Recommendation: get your eyes checked at least once every two years, especially if you work at a screen or have a family history of eye conditions.
7. Smoking (Including Passive Smoking)
Smoking increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and optic nerve damage. Even passive smoke can cause dry eye syndrome. Do your eyes (and body) a favor: quitting smoking will benefit your vision — you’ll notice positive effects within the first few weeks.
