What unhealthy habits may cause vision problems?
Healthy eyes translate to good vision, however, more than ever before our unhealthy habits are leading to vision issues for many. It is not that people are caring less about their vision, it is that these unhealthy habits are becoming more and more a part of our regular routines.
Although age and genetics have a significant impact on vision, certain habits can lead to your eyes weakening. These habits, if understood and stopped, in conjunction with help from a qualified optometrist, can help improve your vision.
Below are some of the most popular unhealthy habits that can cause vision problems.
Poor Diet
Eating foods that are rich in eye-nourishing nutrients can improve vision. Failing to eat a balanced diet can cause poor vision and affect your overall health. Eating foods that contain Vitamins A, C, and E and essential minerals such as zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain your eye health, however not having these foods on a regular basis can cause vision problems. To ensure you are getting the minimum amount of these vitamins and minerals from your diet, enjoy green vegetables, dark leafy greens, orange and yellow coloured fruits as well as eggs, and nuts.
Inadequate Sleep
Not getting enough sleep is detrimental to your mental, physical, and emotional health. It will also cause vision problems over time. Because of this, your optometrist will advise you to get enough sleep every night to allow your eyes to recover from daily stress and rejuvenate. Try to get an average of 6-8 hours of sleep every night to protect your overall health, including your vision.
Smoking
Smoking is an unhealthy habit that can cause vision problems amongst other negative effects on your health and overall wellness. Smoking has been linked to several health problems, such as lung and throat cancer. Also, smoking can cause diverse vision problems including cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. The most severe vision problem that smokers can experience is blindness.
Dehydration
The entire human body needs adequate water to function optimally and stay healthy. Human eyes also require enough water to stay lubricated and produce tears to keep your eyes healthy for good vision. Not getting enough water can result in dry and red eyes, and many vision problems may occur. Heed the advice from your optometrist by drinking plenty of water daily.
Spending Long Hours on Screens
Technology keeps advancing every day, and digital devices have become entwined with our daily routines. Because of this, many people spend long hours looking at computer screen, TV screens, and their smartphones. Spending long periods of time daily on these gadgets is unhealthy for your eyes and vision with a high chance of developing dry eyes, blurry vision, and dizziness. You can manage this situation by taking a break every 20 minutes. Look somewhere else or take a stroll away from the screen to give your eyes a break.
The above are just a few of the more common unhealthy habits that you should try to avoid or limit to help prevent vision problems. If you partake in one or more of these habits on a regular basis, make sure to have regular appointments booked with your optometrist so you can easily monitor your vision and eye health.