February 27, 2014 
When we were kids, parents have warned us that we should not sit too close to the TV or stare at it too long. Not that they were wrong, but there are many other things that we do on a daily basis which seriously endanger our vision…
Wear sunglasses
Eye exposure to the ultraviolet radiation can cause damage to many parts of the eye, which can be the main cause of some eye diseases such as cataracts (clouding of the eye lens) or degeneration of the macula, which can even lead to vision loss. Vinay Aakalu, an ophthalmologist and professor at the University of Illinois says that exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer on the eyelids. Therefore, it is recommended to wear sunglasses or a hat with a wide brim.
The danger of ultraviolet rays exists in the winter months as well. The sun’s UV rays are reflected from the snow and can cause sunburn on the surface known as snow blindness. This is the so-called solar keratitis, which develops after the sunburn of the eyes. Symptoms include pain, irritation, tearing and redness of the eye with the swelling of the eyelids and temporary blurred vision.
Excessive use of eye drops
When you want to ease the redness of the eyes with eye drops, you temporarily constrict blood vessels. ‘After a few hours their effect may cease and blood vessels can expand. It often happens that the eyes become even redder than they were at first, “says Stephanie Marioneaux, an ophthalmologist from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Improper treatment of dry eye
Many people suffer from the so-called dry eye. Eye drops are usually packaged in bottles and contain various chemical substances that could further irritate the eye if they are used too frequently. It is much more expensive but better to take small packages of artificial tears, especially if you plan to use them more than four times a day. If they make your eyes itchy, keep the drops in the refrigerator.
Working on a computer
Blinking helps moisturizing the eyes. However, when you can focus on the screen, you blink less often than you should, which is 12 to 15 times per minute, and therefore you vision may become blurred and hazy. Try to look away from the screen periodically and look at something that is not so close to your eyes. New research shows that even small print on the cell phones can cause myopia.
You are careless with lenses
Use fresh solution for cleaning lenses every day, and never try to clean them by placing them in the mouth or rinse them with water, says Marioneaux. Many ophthalmologists advise daily lenses (which are disposable). To make sure that your eyes get enough oxygen, make sure you do not sleep with lenses. Also, do not just order lenses without consulting with the doctor, who will show you how to properly put them on and off. Otherwise, you have a greater risk of developing infections. “If the lens is put improprely in the eye, it can cause scratches, which results in eye infections, “says Marioneaux.
Old makeup and sleeping with makeup
To avoid infection bacterias touching the eyes, experts advise that you should not use makeup that is older than three months, and you should never go to sleep before removing makeup.
Protective goggles
Whether you are swimming, mowing the grass or doing some household repairs, be sure to put the protective goggles on, in order to avoid something falling into your eyes and damaging them.
Smoking
Among other negative effects on the body, smoking is bad for vision too. ‘It causes cataracts or blurring of the vision, and macular degeneration or progressive deterioration of parts of the retina, ” says Dr. Ian Conner from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
You do not go regularly to eye controls
When it comes to vision, it certainly should be checked regularly by a doctor. People especially at riska are those with high blood pressure and diabetes, which can lead to a complete loss of vision.
Ignoring symptoms
‘If you are feeling pain, have flashes before your eyes, blurred vision, redness, or increased sensitivity to light, do not ignore symptoms because they will not go by themselves. See your doctor immediately, because otherwise you might have a lot more complications that cannot be solved except with surgery’ , warns doctor Anne Summers from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Taken from: www.net.hr