5 Habits That Can Damage Your Eyes

The eyes are the lamp of the body and can be said to be one of the most important parts of the body. It is worthy of note that the region surrounding the eyes have been specially built to protect the eyes as much as possible. The eyelids close within seconds through reflex action whenever there is a threat to the eyes, they bathe the eyes with protective fluid every time we blink and the eyelashes protect the eyes from dust and dirt that may want to find their way into the eyes. As much as nature has helped us in protecting this very important aspect of the body, we should also try as much as possible to preserve these precious gifts by avoiding certain habits that can lead to their deterioration. Some of these bad habits are: 1. Reading under dim lights: As much as possible, avoid reading under lights that are not bright enough to make the words look sharp and bright.  Straining the eyes to see prints that are not clear enough weaken the eyes over time. Whenever you need to read, ensure that you do it under daylight or light that is bright enough so as to avoid straining your eyes. 2. Exposure to the sun: In order to preserve your eyes, endeavour to wear sunglasses whenever you have to be under the harsh sun. The sun contains ultraviolet (UV) and high-energy visible (HEV) rays that can damage the eyes and the eyelids. 3. Rubbing the eyes: Avoid rubbing and squeezing the eyes whenever there is an irritation or dirt because this can do more harm than good. The best method to use is to get a clean and moist cloth to gently remove the dirt or irritant. With the aid of a mirror, you should be able to see the exact position of the dirt and pull it out without doing further harm to the eyes. 4. Smoking: Studies have shown that smoking can damage the health of your eyes, causing various eye-related diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, dry eyes and diabetic retinopathy. Research has also shown that smokers are four times more likely to go blind than non-smokers. It is better to quit this habit as soon as possible to preserve the health of the eyes and other sensitive organs in the body. 5. Sleep deprivation: Sleep is a normal function of the human body and when you do not sleep for an extended period of time, it takes a toll on the eyes and the entire body system. Depriving yourself of good sleep can cause swelling and twitching of the eyes, dark circles and blurry vision.

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jelifat

Opoola Jelifat is a young and passionate writer. She holds a B.Sc degree in Microbiology and enjoys reading, cooking and writing on real life issues. She is currently pursuing a Masters degree at the University of Ibadan. Contact her on opoolajelifat@gmail.com, and via Twitter and facebook by clicking the icons below.

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