Your eyes are precious, yet many people unknowingly practice everyday habits bad for their eyes.
These minor habits, such as avoiding sunglasses or spending too much time staring at devices, can gradually impair your vision.
The good news? By becoming aware of these habits and making even small changes, you can protect your sight for many years to come.
Here are 10 everyday habits bad for your eyes—and what you can do instead.
Staring at Screens for Hours
Digital devices are an integral part of modern life, but excessive screen time can lead to digital eye strain. This results in headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision. Spending a lot of time scrolling, gaming, or working on a computer is among the top habits bad for your eyes.
Better habit: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Rubbing Your Eyes
Although it feels good, scratching can worsen corneal problems, rupture tiny blood vessels, and spread bacteria. This is one of those habits that are bad for your eyes that many don’t think about.
Better habit: Use lubricating drops or a cool compress instead of rubbing.
Not Wearing Sunglasses
Skipping sunglasses leaves your eyes vulnerable to harmful UV rays. Long-term sun exposure raises your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. This is a subtle but dangerous example of habits bad for your eyes.
Better habit: Wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection, even on cloudy days.
Sleeping in Contact Lenses
You run a higher risk of infection if you leave your contacts in overnight because they block oxygen from getting to your cornea. It’s one of the riskiest habits bad for your eyes.
Better habit: Always remove your lenses before sleeping and clean them properly.
Using Expired or Shared Makeup
Old or shared mascara and eyeliner can harbor bacteria that cause pink eye and other infections. This cosmetic shortcut is another example of habits bad for your eyes.
Better habit: Replace mascara every 3 months, eyeliner every 6 months, and never share makeup.
Skipping Regular Eye Exams
Many eye diseases show no early symptoms. Ignoring check-ups is one of the silent habits bad for your eyes that could cost you your vision later.
Better habit: Schedule comprehensive eye exams every 1–2 years, even if your vision feels fine.
Smoking
Smoking doesn’t just harm your lungs—it also damages your eyes. It dramatically increases the risk of macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage. This makes it one of the most harmful habits bad for your eyes.
Better habit: Quit smoking and give your eyes (and body) a healthier future.
Eating a Poor Diet
A lack of nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, and omega-3s can accelerate age-related eye problems. Poor diet choices often go unnoticed as habits bad for your eyes.
Better habit: Eat leafy greens, colorful veggies, citrus fruits, fish, and nuts to nourish your eyes.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep recharges and hydrates your eyes. Chronic lack of rest leads to dryness, twitching, and blurry vision. Ongoing sleep deprivation is another overlooked habit bad for your eyes.
Better habit: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Ignoring Dry Eye Symptoms
Brushing off constant dryness, burning, or tearing is one of the most underestimated habits bad for your eyes. Left untreated, it can damage the cornea.
Better habit: Use artificial tears, stay hydrated, and see your doctor if symptoms persist.
Conclusion
Everyday routines can either support or harm your vision. The habits bad for your eyes listed above may seem minor, but over time, they can lead to serious issues. The good news is that by replacing them with healthier choices—like wearing sunglasses, taking screen breaks, and getting regular check-ups—you can preserve your eyesight and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision.
Schedule a visit with our optometrist in Crystal Lake and Algonquin, Dr. Jeffrey Porter. Your eyes deserve care.
Dr. Jeffrey Porter and his associates are experienced eye doctors in Crystal Lake and Algonquin, IL. They are dedicated to providing exceptional eye checkups to residents of Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Illinois, and surrounding areas.
Contact us:
Walmart Vision Center Crystal Lake, IL
815-477-4053
Walmart Vision Center Algonquin, IL
847-458-5796
