Stop Rubbing…And 4 Other Habits for Healthier Eyes

Stop Rubbing…And 4 Other Habits for Healthier Eyes

Published by Crawford Ifland on May 29, 2024

As we celebrate Healthy Vision Month this May, it’s crucial to spotlight the everyday habits that can significantly influence our eye health. Understanding these habits can be a game changer in maintaining optimal eye health and enhancing quality of life.

1. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

Rubbing your eyes might feel good in the moment, but it can lead to a host of issues, from the minor annoyance of smudging your makeup to more serious complications such as exacerbating allergies or even weakening the cornea. For individuals with conditions like keratoconus, where the cornea becomes thinner and bulges outward, rubbing can significantly worsen their vision.

Instead of giving in to the urge to rub, consider safer alternatives to alleviate discomfort. Applying a clean, damp cloth over closed eyes can provide relief without the risks. For dry or itchy eyes, over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can be a handy solution. If eye discomfort persists, consult with an eye care professional to identify the underlying causes of eye irritation and prevent potential damage before it escalates. For those in need of dry eye relief, our Modern Vision Omaha partner practice Modern Vision Solutions offers advanced treatments to manage the discomfort from dry eyes.

2. Make Regular Eye Appointments

Maintaining the health of your eyes is not just about addressing immediate discomfort but also about foreseeing and preventing potential issues. Regular eye exams are essential, especially if you are considering LASIK surgery. These appointments allow your eye care professional to keep a close watch on your vision’s progression and catch any irregularities early on.

3. Protect Eyes from Injury

Eye injuries can happen to anyone and at any time, but you can minimize the risks. Whether it’s wearing safety goggles during physical activities or being mindful of proper contact lens hygiene, taking preventive measures is crucial. For those considering LASIK in Omaha, remember, correcting your vision can also reduce your dependency on contact lenses, thus lowering your risk of contact-related eye injuries and infections.

4. Wear Sunglasses

Exposure to UV rays can seriously harm your eyes and affect your long-term vision. Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement—they are a protective measure against UV-induced eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Make sure your sunglasses block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays for maximum protection.

5. Manage Screen Time

In our digital age, screen time is hard to avoid, but it’s vital to manage it effectively to prevent digital eye strain. Implement the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Also, adjust your screen settings to reduce blue light exposure and ensure your working area is well-lit to avoid glare.

Maintaining healthy eyes requires more than just occasional care; it demands a commitment to protective daily habits and regular check-ups.

As modern vision correction specialists, we at Kugler Vision are committed to serving Omaha LASIK patients’ needs on the journey to a life free from visual barriers. Take the first step with a thorough eye analysis to determine if you qualify for Modern LASIK. Omaha-area patients who aren’t candidates for LASIK may be candidates for one of our 6 other advanced vision correction treatments. Book online at LASIKOmaha.com.