Vision is a vital sense most people don’t even think about losing. They may not have perfect vision but can wear glasses or contacts or get laser corrective vision surgery to fix this problem. Yet, there are several things that can cause damage to your eyes and cause vision loss, sometimes even permanently.
What Damages Eyesight?
Some of the most common causes that damage eyesight include:
1. Aging
As we age, our eyesight can deteriorate from macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. While aging can’t be stopped, corrective vision surgery can help slow the progress and loss of vision.
2. UV Sunlight
The UV rays from the sun can damage the eyes from overexposure. You should always wear UV-protective sunglasses or glasses when outdoors even on cloudy days.
3. Excessive Use of Alcohol
Too much alcohol can cause problems for the eyes directly and indirectly. It can even cause certain eye conditions to develop sooner, like macular degeneration. If you drink, do so in moderation.
4. Too Much Screen Time
From computers and smartphones to TVs and tablets, people spend a huge amount of time these days staring at screens. Excessive screen time can cause dry eye, as well as eye strain, which can lead to a decrease in vision clarity.
5. Overuse of Eye Drops
Eye drops that remove redness from the eyes are not good for your vision. These products restrict blood flow in the eye and can eventually cause damage to your eyes.
6. Contact Lenses
Wearing contact lenses can damage the eyes and eyesight. Some people leave contacts in longer than they should, and others do not clean them correctly. Then, there are the issues of getting the contacts in and out of the eyes.
7. Smoking
Smoking, in general, poses a wide range of health issues for the body, including the eyes. Smoke can burn the eyes, and the chemicals used in tobacco products have various side effects on eyesight like potentially developing cataracts at a younger age.
8. Dry Eye
This eye condition often requires using lubricating eye drops to keep the eyes moist. However, most people just buy their eye drops over-the-counter. Many of these products have added chemicals that could damage the eyes. Instead, get a prescription from your eye doctor if you have dry eye.
9. Not Wearing Safety Glasses/Goggles
If you work in environments where there are chemicals, dust, and the risk of flying debris, you need to wear safety glasses or goggles to protect the eyes. This includes wearing them when landscaping and cleaning the pool and adding chemicals.
10. Not Wearing Protective Gear When Playing Sports
Contact sports can be fun but can lead to injuries to the body and eyes if the right protective gear is not worn.
11. Diabetes
Not properly managing diabetes can cause damage to the eyes and eyesight from a condition called retinopathy. This condition is painless, and most people don’t even know it is happening.
12. Not Seeing Your Eye Doctor Annually
Part of your annual wellness checkup should include a visit to your eye doctor to check your eyesight. Annual exams can help identify potential conditions—which could be developing unnoticed—before they become more serious.
There are many different things that cause damage to your eyes and eyesight. By being aware of these and taking the right precautions, you can reduce your risks of eye injuries and lost vision.
To schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors or to learn more about various corrective laser vision eye surgery options, please feel free to contact ADV Vision Centers at (805) 987-5300 today!
We have office locations in San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and Paso Robles on the Central Coast of California and now offer telemedicine eye exams as well.