7 Tips to protect eyes from everyday harm

Our eyes are small, but they help us see everything around us. Right from seeing our children’s faces, bright flowers and the morning sun – our eyes are the biggest blessings in life. But did you know that as per World Health Organization (WHO) about 2.2 billion people around the world have some or the other eye problem? At Nihar Netralaya we assert that these could have been prevented with better care. 

Every day, people search “Why do my eyes burn?”, “Why are my eyes red?”, or “How to stop blurry vision?” These are signs our eyes need help. Knowing how to keep eyes healthy can prevent big problems later in life. Now are sharing some simple yet very strong daily eye care tips 

7 Everyday Habits That Can Harm Your Eyes

1. Rubbing Eyes Causes Damage

Rubbing Eyes Causes Damage

One of the most common bad habits for eyes. Many people rub their eyes when they itch or feel tired. But rubbing can break small blood vessels in the eye. It can also spread dirt and germs. It can even lead to corneal damage. At Nihar Netralay, Indore we always ask you to avoid rubbing your eyes. If your eyes irritate, then you can clean them with splashes of clean water. Take someone to help remove any visible dirt using a soft tissue. There are chances that if itchiness is constant, then you may be having the DRY EYE SYNDROME. In that case, ask your doctor for safe drops. below is reason why dry eyes happened?

Causes of dry eyes

2. Long Screen Hours Harm

In the age of smart phones, smart TVs and computers  – too much screen time is common. And that is one of the common causes of eye strain. It makes your eyes dry, red and tired. This is often called computer vision syndrome

20-20-20 Rule

How to keep eyes healthy? WHO experts say long hours on screens cause burning and headaches. Follow the “20-20-20” rule – every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Keep screens an arm’s length away and adjust brightness.  

3. Sleeping Wearing Contact Lenses

Many contact lens users forget to remove lenses before sleeping. This is one of the most harmful bad habits for eyes. Lenses block oxygen from reaching your eyes. Without enough oxygen, eyes become dry, red and infected. It can even lead to ulcers or scarring.

  • Always remove your lenses before bed
  • Clean contact lenses properly. 
  • Ask your doctor about home remedies for dry eyes like humidifiers or artificial tears.  

4. Ignoring Sunglasses Outdoors

Sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are harmful for the eyes. If you do not wear sunglasses outdoors, you are very likely to develop cataracts and other eye-related problems. UV rays can cause clouding in the lens of the eye. 

  • When outdoor, always wear UV-protected sun-glasses
  • Even cloudy days have harmful rays. 
  • Protecting eyes outdoors is among the best eye care tips. It helps prevent early aging around the eyes. Also keeps your sight strong for years.

5. Expired Eye Drops or Makeup Hurts Eyes

Prevent Future Eye Infection

Many people keep using old eye drops. They often use eye-makeup without checking the expiry date. This is another serious bad habit for eyes. Expired drops often carry germs that cause infections. Proper eye hygiene prevents many such problems:  

  • Always read the label of eye drops/makeup
  • Wash your hands before using drops/makeup
  • Do not share eye-drops/ makeup. 
  • Clean your makeup brushes regularly. 
  • Do not touch eye-dropper with eye-lids or eye-lashes

6. Skipping Regular Eye Checkups

Do you think you have to see a doctor only when you can’t see properly? That’s a wrong notion. Eye diseases like glaucoma or diabetes-related vision often start silently. Skipping eye tests is one of the common causes of eye problems. It is bound to cause serious problems later. As per WHO early testing and treatment could prevent 80% of vision loss. So never skip your yearly visit where Nihar Netralaya will give you  essential eye care tips.

7. Neglecting Eye-Safety During Diwali

Diwali is a festival of lights. But it also brings along a lot of pollution. Many people forget eye safety during Diwali. Firecracker dust, smoke and bright flashes can harm eyes badly. Sparks can even burn the cornea.

  • This is why doctors stress fireworks eye injury prevention. 
  • Always maintain a safe distance from fireworks. 
  • Wash your eyes if smoke enters.
  • Avoid touching crackers or their burnt away parts during celebrations. 

Eye Care Do’s & Don’ts During Diwali 

Do’s:

  • Wear safety glasses or spectacles when lighting crackers.
  • Keep buckets of water nearby. Necessary to wash eyes if something falls in.
  • Use eye drops only as advised by your doctor. Focus on using eye drops correctly.
  • Encourage small children to enjoy light shows from a distance. Do not handover smoky crackers for them to burn/light.

Don’ts:

  • Avoid rubbing eyes if dust or sparks enter them.  
  • Do not use expired makeup or eye products before the festival.
  • Do not burst crackers in windy areas. Smokes from crackers worsens eye irritation.
  • Do not ignore pain, redness or watering. Contact Nihar Netrayala immediately for medical help.

When to See an Eye Specialist at Nihar Netralaya

  • If you feel sudden pain, redness or blurred vision
  • If you notice swelling, sticky discharge.
  • If you cannot open your eyes properly. 
  • A doctor can check your eyes safely and guide you with the right treatment. 
  • Early help prevents big problems later. 
  • Regular checkups are a must for good vision and lifelong eye safety.

CTA

Eyes are delicate. Even small mistakes can harm them. Avoiding bad habits for eyes like rubbing, skipping checkups or ignoring sunglasses keeps them safe. Following regular eye care tips and small safety steps helps prevent common causes of eye strain. Festivals like Diwali need extra care, so always protect your eyes. Remember, good vision is a gift – care for it daily. Contact Nihar Netralaya immediately the moment you find any unusual strain or itchiness in your eyes.

FAQs

Why do my eyes burn or feel gritty after long screen use?

That’s usually dry eye from reduced blinking and prolonged near focus; try the 20-20-20 rule and preservative-free artificial tears, and see a doctor if symptoms are severe.

What simple home remedies help with dry eyes?

Try warm compresses, frequent blinking, artificial tears, and a humidifier; consult an eye specialist if symptoms persist or worsen.

Do sunglasses actually prevent cataracts and other eye damage?

Yes – sunglasses that block 100% UVA/UVB (UV400) reduce harmful UV exposure and help lower long-term risks like cataracts and corneal damage.

Can expired eye drops or shared eye makeup cause serious problems?

Yes – expired or shared products can introduce bacteria or fungi and lead to infections, so always check expiry dates and avoid sharing eye products.

Dr. Mahesh Garg Eye Doctor in Indore- Nihar Netralaya

Author: Dr. Mahesh Garg

Dr. Mahesh Garg is a highly experienced ophthalmologist with over 26 years of expertise in advanced eye care specializing in cataract surgery and advanced techniques in cataract surgery.

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