5 Common Things That Affect Your Eyesight

​They say that the eyes are the mirrors of our souls. Aside from our teeth, the first thing people will notice is our eyes. The sense of sight is one of the most important senses that we cannot afford to lose. As much as possible, we want to maintain a 20/20 vision, but it may only sometimes be the case. Certain things can cause our eyesight to deteriorate. So read on so you can protect your sense of sight.

1. Excessive Smoking 
   Smoking is associated with a higher risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which can ultimately affect our eyesight. According to the National Eye Institute, macular degeneration affects small areas of the retina. 
   
   This is the eye part responsible for creating a sharp central vision. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50; smoking increases the risk of developing the condition. 
   
   
2. Prolonged Staring At Smartphones All Day
   Are you a heavy user of your smartphone? If yes, then your eyesight can be affected badly. When your eyes get strained from reading the tiny screen of your smartphone, which emits blue light, this could cause your blink rate to decrease. 
   
   Eventually, it could lead to a slowdown in the rate of tear production. There is also growing evidence that prolonged screen time can lead to irreversible deterioration of your retina and could even cause nearsightedness. 
   
   
3. Wearing Old Contact Lenses
   While wearing one-day contact lenses for two days might seem harmless, it increases the risk of eye infection. People also tend to sleep with their contacts, share them with others, or switch contacts every few weeks. These practices could hurt your eyesight and could lead to vision-blurring infections. 
   
   
4. Rubbing Your Eyes 
   Rubbing your eyes may give you temporary relief. However, doing so also spreads dirt and bacteria into your eyes. Rubbing eyes have been associated with permanent corneal damage and a condition known as keratoconus, a disorder that causes the thinning of the cornea and eventual bulging outward. 
   
   Instead of rubbing your eyes, experts recommend blinking your eyes and letting your tears wash away the debris. 
   
   
5. Drinking Too Much Alcohol 
   Alcoholic beverages affect not only our liver but can also have both direct and indirect effects on our eyes. Like smoking, alcohol can cause macular degeneration. So as the popular alcohol commercials go, "Drink moderately.".

Conclusion 
We need to protect our eyes to appreciate all these things. See your ophthalmologist regularly to check up on your vision. 

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