HEALTH

 EVERYDAY HABITS THAT AFFECT EYE VISION

While some eye conditions are hereditary, many are as a result of poor vision care and bad habits. Don't be surprised that some things you do everyday may damage your eye sight.

Eye is one of the vital organs that need extra care. Here are habits you need to correct in order to have long lasting vision.

TOO MUCH SCREEN TIME:

Viewing computer screen is common amongst students especially now that lot of schools are operating a virtual method of learning. It is hardly possible for one to be without his/her phone most of the day. However, this habit affect visions. It can cause digital eye strain which is associated with discomfort, dry eyes, blurry vision, fatigue, headaches, neck and shoulder pain. While viewing screen is inevitable for students, there is need to search for protection to prevent the danger that computer screen may cause. To do this, one could inculcate the following habits- adjust computer display setting, blink more often and exercise your eyes, use glasses or go for hard copy materials for lecture notes that have less pictures.

NOT EATING PROPERLY AND NOT DRINKING ENOUGH WATER:

 Taking too much junks is unhealthy, not taking food essential for good eye sight can also cause problem of vision. Eyes need vitamins A -which can be generated from vegetables and fruits - for proper sight and health. In addition, water is essential to vision in fact 8 glasses of water is recommended per day. Dry eye, red eye and puffy eyelids are consequences of dehydration which result from not taking enough water.

NOT WEARING SUN GLASSES: 

Glasses are not meant to be worn by those with eye complications alone. It can also be used to prevent eyes from harmful UV light and high energy visible (HEV) ray which can damage your eyes as well as eyelids. Sunburn (photokeratitis), macular degeneration, cataracts and in some cases cancer of the eyelid are result of long exposure of eyes to sunlight. To have long lasting vision, ensure using of sun glasses while going or working outdoor in a scorching sun.

NOT GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP:

This does not only affect your vision but also overall health. Research has shown that adults (18-64) needs 7 to 9hours sleep per day. Not having enough sleep can cause bloodshot eyes, dark circles, eyes twitches, dry eyes and blurry vision. While craving for good grades with Till Day break(TDB) reading, don't forget your well being too.

RUBBING YOUR EYES:

 This a common habit which is in fact a bad habit. Complications caused by rubbing eyes may not be corrected using glasses or even drugs. One therefore needs to desist from this common but inimical behavior. Rubbing your eyes can lead to scratched corneas which can cause blurry vision. Regular eye rubbing over an extended period of time can lead to a condition called keratoconus(a condition when the normally round cornea becomes thin and develops a cone-like bulge). Rubbing eye is a bad habit that must be prevented. In case there is need to rub eye it is best you rinse your eye with water or saline.

SMOKING:

Smoking is generally believed to damage only lungs, however, not only lungs it damages but also all other parts of the body including eyes. Dry eyes, cataracts, uveitis and diabetic retinopathy are associated with smoking. Research has shown that smokers are four times more likely to lose their visions compared to people who do not smoke(Washington.com). The best way to get rid of eye problem via smoking is to quit it.

WEARING CONTACT LENS WRONG:

  Contact lens are thin lenses placed directly on eyes which can be worn to correct vision or for cosmetic and therapeutic function. Wearing contact lenses is not bad but one needs to be careful and take note of the following; contact lens is not meant to be putting on while sleeping, it should not be worn in shower or pool, proper hygiene instructions should be followed to prevent chance of bacteria getting into eyes.

Eyes are one of the irreplaceable delicate organs in the body, taking good care of it is highly essential for those that crave for lasting vision. Avoid habits that may endanger your vision and always go for eye examination immediately the need arise.