Common Eye Care Mistakes to Avoid

The eyes are two of the hardest-working organs in the body. From the time you wake up until you go to sleep, your eyes play an essential role in helping you navigate through your day. For these reasons, it’s important to take care of your eyes so they last well into your senior years. In this post, a Lake Stevens, WA optometrist talks about the types of common eye care mistakes you should avoid at all costs.

Common Eye Care Mistakes

Touching or Rubbing Your Eyes

Rubbing or touching your eyes with your eyes closed may not be too much of a problem, however, that depends on how hard you rub your eyes. The eye contains oxygen and nutrient-supplying blood vessels, which can rupture if you rub your eyes too hard. Something else to consider is the mucous membrane layer that covers the outside of your eye. Bacteria and viruses can easily breed in this area and touching it only increases the risk.

Looking at Digital Screens for Long Periods

As essential as computers, TVs, mobile phones, and digital devices, in general, are to our modern-day existence, they all emit blue light. Exposing your eyes to blue light for hours at a time can lead to eye strain, headaches, and even dry eyes syndrome. And while it may be near impossible to eliminate screen time altogether, taking 20 minute breaks every 20-minutes can provide your eyes with the relief they so need.

Overuse of Redness-Reducing Drops

Sometimes, red eyes can’t be avoided and over-the-counter eye drops provide an easy, quick remedy. However, overuse of these drops can actually make the problem worse. Store-bought eye drops contain chemicals and preservatives that can irritate your eyes over time. If you frequently experience red eyes, the best way to deal with it is to see an optometrist and find out what’s causing it.

Skipping Your Yearly Eye Exams

With today’s hustle and bustle lifestyles, scheduling regular eye exams when your eyes seem perfectly fine may seem impractical. However, eye exams do way more than just check how clearly see can see at near and far distances. They can help your optometrist spot early signs of eye disease. And the more comprehensive exams can actually reveal early warning signs of serious illness, such as diabetes and heart disease.

If you have more questions about proper eye care or wish to schedule an appointment for an eye exam, please feel free to call our Lake Stevens, WA optometry office today!