AS the months go by, it’s become apparent that the pandemic poses more health threats than just the danger of contracting COVID-19. One aspect of your health that you may not be paying enough attention to right now is your vision. From too much screen time to forgetting eye-safe practices when venturing out in public, these are the ways you may be ruining your eyes every day. 1. Too much screen time According to the experts at Lone Star Vision, two problems arise with excessive streaming: the constant staring at the screen and the light that comes from that same screen. This can cause dry, itchy eyes, watery eyes, and even blurred vision. Besides streaming, people use their phones all the time. A 2018 study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that excessive exposure to blue light — which phones cast — actually promotes the growth of poisonous molecules in our eyes that can lead to macular degeneration, an incurable eye disease that results in significant vision loss. 2. Too much A/C You may want to blast the A/C while you’re staying indoors, but make sure you don’t keep it on too much. According to optometrist Leigh Plowman, air conditioning “reduces the relative humidity” in a room, which often contributes to what is known as “dry eye disease.” And according to the American Optometric Association, advanced cases of dry eyes disease can actually lead to impaired vision by causing damage to the front surface of the eye. 3. Unhealthy snacks It’s easy to turn to your favorite unhealthy snacks when you’re staying inside, especially if they’re only a cabinet away. But try not to overdo it. According to the experts at NVISION Eye Centers, eating “whole foods containing eye-enhancing nutrients can help to ensure an individual is getting the nutrients they need to maintain proper vision and eye health.” Not only that, but eating an excessive amount of highly processed and high-fat foods can also actually increase your risk of eye problems. 4. Not wearing sunglasses With a face mask covering half your face, you may not be keen to cover the rest of it with a pair of sunglasses. But you shouldn’t be forgoing this fashion accessory this summer, because not wearing sunglasses can leave your eyes vulnerable to UV rays from the sun. According to a U.S. National Eye Institute study from 2014, an excessive amount of this exposure can actually cause you to develop cataracts, a clouding of the eye lens that results in impaired vision. 5. Rubbing your eyes Maybe it’s a lack of sleep from your nights spent streaming, or fidgeting while working from home — whatever it is, try to avoid rubbing your eyes. According to a 2019 study, rubbing your eyes too hard or too often can actually damage them by causing keratoconus, a serious condition that can lead to distorted vision and may require future repairs. Keratoconus occurs when your corneas have been thinned, which weakens them and makes them become more cone-shaped. (SD-Agencies) | 