5 Everyday Habits That Could Be Harming Your Eyesight

Think you’re taking good care of your eyes? You might not realise it, but some of your everyday habits could be putting your eyesight at risk. From too much screen time to skipping routine eye checks, we spoke with See Differently Optometrist Ali Khazandi about the most common habits that could be causing damage – and how to protect your vision before it’s too late.

Screen Time and Eye Strain

Whether you’re an office worker who sits in front of a computer screen for eight hours a day, endlessly scrolling on your phone, or binge-watching your favourite shows, too much screen time can take a toll on your eyes. Optometrist Ali Khazandi explains that screen use affects your eyes in several ways:

• You blink less, leading to dry, irritated eyes.
• Staring up close for long periods tires the eye muscles.
• Glare and blue light can cause further discomfort.
• Poor posture or screen positioning adds physical strain.

The solution? Ali recommends following the 20-20-20 rule. “Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away (about 6m) for 20 seconds,” he says. “This helps give your eye muscles a chance to relax and helps reduce digital eye strain.”

Rubbing Your Eyes

Rubbing your eyes might relieve an itch or fatigue and can feel satisfying in the moment, but did you know it can do more harm than good? Not only can you risk infection if your hands aren’t clean, but frequent eye rubbing can also lead to keratoconus, a condition where the cornea becomes thin and begins to bulge. This is most likely to develop during your teens to early thirties and can cause high levels of astigmatism, leading to blurry or distorted vision. In severe cases, it may even require surgical intervention.

Instead of rubbing your eyes, Ali suggests using lubricating eye drops for dryness or irritation, applying a cold compress for itchy or puffy eyes, and following the 20-20-20 rule to reduce digital eye strain.

Contact Lens Use

Contact lenses are generally safe, but at the end of the day, they’re foreign objects in the eye and can disrupt the natural tear film, often leading to dry eye symptoms. Additionally, they reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea, which can cause further complications. “Improper use, such as overwear, poor hygiene, or wearing them while sleeping, showering, or swimming, increases the risk of serious eye infections,” Ali says. Ali says it’s vital to follow your optometrist’s guidance for wear time, cleaning, and replacement, and to also give your eyes regular breaks from lenses when possible.

Not Wearing Sunglasses

Sunglasses are essentially sunscreen for the eyes, says Ali. Just like sunscreen protects your skin, sunglasses shield your eyes from harmful UV rays. They help prevent sun-related growths such as pterygiums and pinguecula, and also lower the risk of developing certain types of ocular cancers.

Regular Eye Exams

When was the last time you had your eyes checked?

[Video Description: Ali, our low vision optometrist talks about the importance of low vision optometry services at See Differently.]

Many eye diseases progress slowly and without symptoms in the early stages. Glaucoma, for instance, is often called the “thief of sight” because vision loss usually occurs before any symptoms are noticed. Macular degeneration is another example – particularly in its dry form, which needs regular monitoring to prevent progression to the wet form that may require injections. Routine eye exams are essential for early detection and prevention of irreversible damage.

“It’s recommended that children have their first eye exam by age five, or earlier if any issues are suspected,” Ali says. “If you are over 65 or have only one functional eye (monocular vision), it’s recommended to have an eye exam every 12 months. For those under 65, exams should generally be scheduled every 24 months. However, if there are any concerns or existing eye conditions, your optometrist may suggest more frequent visits to monitor changes.”

Book Your Eye Health Check Today

Have you noticed changes in your vision? Or just want to stay proactive about your eye health? Our expert optometrists at See Differently are here to help. Whether it’s been a while since your last eye exam or you’re concerned about any of the habits above, now’s the perfect time to act.

Don’t wait – book your appointment today. Take the first step toward better vision and eye care by completing the online referral form here >> https://bit.ly/SeeDifferentlyReferral