Common Eye Care Mistakes to Avoid

The eyes are two of the busiest organs in the body. From the moment you wake up until you go to sleep, your eyes play an essential role in navigating your day. For these reasons, it is important to take care of the eyes so that they last well into old age. In this post, a Broomfield, CO optometrist talks about the most 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 seem like a big deal, but it depends on how hard you rub your eyes. The eye contains oxygen- and nutrient-supplying blood vessels that rupture when the eyes are rubbed too hard. Another thing to consider is the layer of mucous membrane that covers the outside of the eye. Bacteria and viruses can easily multiply in this area and touching it only increases the risk. 

Prolonged viewing of digital screens 

As important as computers, televisions, cell phones, and digital devices, in general, are to our modern lives, they all emit blue light. Exposing your eyes to blue light for hours on end can cause eyestrain, headaches, and even dry eye syndrome. And while it can be nearly impossible to eliminate screen time altogether, a 20-minute break every 20 minutes can give your eyes some much-needed relief.

Overuse of drops to reduce redness

Sometimes red eyes are unavoidable, and over-the-counter eye drops offer a quick and easy remedy. However, overuse of these drops can make the problem worse. Many brands contain preservatives that can irritate your eyes over time. If you have red eyes frequently, the best way to treat them is to see an optometrist and find out what’s causing it.

Skipping Annual Eye Exams 

With the hustle and bustle of today’s life, it can seem impractical to schedule regular eye exams when your eyes seem perfectly fine. Your optician recognizes the first signs of eye disease. And more extensive research can uncover early warning signs of serious illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. So staying on top of your eye care needs now can help preserve your vision down the road.

If you have additional questions about proper eye care or would like to schedule an eye exam, please don’t hesitate to call our Broofield, CO optometry office today!