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Okay, we’re not going to lie, eye care is not exactly on the very top of our list when we think about health. But unsurprisingly, your eyes are in much need of some TLC too. From over the counter reading glasses to excessively using eyedrops when allergy strikes, these DIY solutions aren’t just going to cut it. When it comes to eye care, you’re definitely going to need some professional help.
Here are five eye care mistakes you need to stop making, like now!
Wearing the incorrect size contact lenses
Wearing contact lenses are all fun and games until you scratch your eye’s surface (not kidding). Ruahan Naude, CEO of Dynamic Vision, says that you need to have your cornea properly measured in order to prescribe contact lenses that will fit the eyes. By wearing the incorrect sized lenses, you risk not only experiencing dizziness but you could potentially lose cause permanent damage. “If a lens fits too tightly, the cornea will not receive nourishment from the natural tears that coat the eye”, explains Naude. This could lead to a whole host of problems such as blurred vision, pain and light sensitivity.
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READ MORE: 5 weird eye issues you should never ignore
Not updating your prescription glasses
If you’re already wearing prescription glasses you still need be getting your eyes regularly checked. “Wearing glasses that no longer fit or prescription lenses that are no longer accurate, could lead to you experiencing dizziness, headaches and blurred vision”, says Naude.
Using over the-shelf-glasses
Over-the-shelf reading glasses is great quick fix but its never going to be as great as the real thing (looking at you non-alcoholic wine). Naude says that there’s not much harm in using them for short period of time like reading a menu at the restaurant. But if used for a long period of time, they can cause eyestrain and double vision. And if theres an underlying problem, you could risk making your vision worse.
READ MORE: Are you suffering with ‘digital eye strain'? - Here’s how you can tell
Overusing eye drops
If your doctor hasn’t prescribed you eye drops, then you really shouldn’t be using them, says Naude. “Most commercially available eye drops are decongestants and contain vasoconstrictors”, explains Naude. This means that while they may get rid of redness, they are shrinking the outer blood vessels in the white of your eyes, at the same time this dries out your eyes. Before you know it you’ve trapped yourself in a vicious eyedrops cycle.
Neglecting eye tests
When was the last time you had your eyes checked? If you took a while to answer, its probably time for you to visit an optometrist. By having a professional eye examination you rule out any eye diseases or vision problems. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems can help prevent vision loss.
This article was originally published by Women's Health SA.
