5 Everyday Habits That Can Harm Your Eyesight – And the Vitamins That Can Help

One of the most important organs in the body, our eyes work tirelessly every day. They help us see, read, drive, and connect with the world around us. Yet, most of us end up taking them for granted until the discomfort or strain is unbearable and the damage is already done. However, it our eyes are often harmed not by extreme but rather small, daily habits that we hardly notice. But, the good news is that by identifying these bad habits early on, we can take simple steps to protect our eyesight and keep it sharp for years to come. Here are some everyday habits that secretly harm our eyes:

Considering the fast-paced and digital world we live in, stating at our mobiles, computers, or TVs for hours at a stretch can easily harm the eyes in the long run. Too much of screen time can strain the eyes, cause headaches, blurry vision, and dry eyes. The “blue light” emitted from screen can also interfere with one's sleep by disrupting melatonin production. A study by the National Eye Institute shows that digital eye strain has become increasingly common, especially among younger people.To avoid eye strain due to excessive screen time, one can follow the 20-20-20 rule. According to it, one should take a break every 20 minutes of screetime, look at something which is 20 feet away for atleast 20 seconds. This will help your eye relax in just a few seconds. Adjusting screen brightness and ensuring proper body posture can also help reduce eye strain.
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Excessive screen time can cause the eyes to be itchy or dry, and we often end up rubbing them. However, this simple habit might cause more harm than relief to the eyes as rubbing the eyes can damage delicate blood vessels. This, in turn, can cause dark circles, redness, or even worsening of conditions like keratoconus ( which is a progressive thinning of the cornea over time). And if one rubs their eyes with dirty hands, it also increases the risk of transferring bacteria or viruses that can cause eye infections.

And so, the American Academy of Ophthalmology advises that one should avoid rubbing their eyes as it may only give temporary relief from discomfort. Instead, one should use lubricating eye drops or a cold compress to safely soothe their itchy or tired eyes.

The harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the Sun not only damages our skin, but can also cause long-term eye damage like cataracts, macular degeneration, or even eye cancers. So, one should always wear sunglasses while stepping out, even on cloudy days, to prevent UV rays from entering and damaging the eyes.
A study published in 'Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science' revealed that cumulative UV exposure accelerates lens aging and increases cataract risk. It studies the association between lifetime UVB exposure and cortical cataract severity, showing that higher cumulative UV exposure significantly increases cataract risk, particularly in specific regions of the lens.

Poor sleep habits not only affects our mental and physical health, but also our eye health in the long run. Lack of sleep can cause dry eyes, twitching, blurred vision, and an increased sensitivity to light. It can also contribute to serious eye health conditions like glaucoma in the long run. As per a study titled 'The Association of Sleep Duration With Vision Impairment in Middle-Aged and Elderly Adults' in the Journal of Ophthalmology, people who have poor sleep patterns are at a higher risk of having vision-threatening diseases. And so, one should aim to get atleast 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night as it can help their eyes rest and repair.

Since many people tae their eyes for granted, they often neglect getting their eyes checked regularly. Instead, they only visit and opthalmologist when the damage is already done and it is a bit too late. However, in order to have good eye health and vision one should get their eyes checked atleast once a year. This can lead to early detection and treatment of any eye health issues like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration. These conditions often progress silently without obvious symptoms until vision loss occurs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one should get regular eye exams— even for those with perfect vision. Adults should get their eyes checked every 1–2 years, depending on age and risk factors. Early detection is key to preserving vision, and eye exams also ensure your prescription glasses or contacts remain accurate.

Apart from developing good habits, one should also focus on nutrition to support good eye health and vision. Three Vitamins that are essential for good eye health include:
1. Vitamin A: Vitamin A plays a key role in maintaining good vision, especially in low-light conditions. It supports the retina and prevents night blindness. A deficiency can lead to dry eyes and corneal damage. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) , vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes are great for eye health.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. As per a research by the American Optometric Association, Vitamin C may lower the risk of cataracts and slow age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
So, include citrus fruits rich in Vitamin C like bell peppers and broccoli to your daily diet.

3. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is not only good for the skin, but it also helps protect the eyes from oxidative stress, which can damage healthy eye tissue over time. A study in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that vitamin E, along with other antioxidants, reduces AMD progression.
So, have nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils daily as they are rich in this vitamin.