Few parts of our bodies are more important for day-to-day life than our eyes. These vulnerable organs are our main link to the outside world, and damage to the eyes is usually irreparable.
Poor eye care is often worse than no eye care. Sometimes, it only makes things worse.
Four Important “Don’ts” For Proper Eye Care
1 – Using Anything But Water Or Tear Drops
Never clean your eyes or lenses with anything but water or eye drops designed for that purpose. If possible, use distilled water rather than tap water, because even most tap water will still have some particles–or microorganisms–that can damage your eyes.
Most especially, never try to clean your contacts or your eyes with spit. It’s incredibly unhygienic. Your mouth always has a lot of bacteria in it, no matter how much mouthwash you use.
2 – Driving With Vision Problems
If you’re experiencing any sort of direct problems with your vision, such as blurriness, gray-outs, or migraine-style rainbows, do not drive yourself to the doctor. There’s no telling when such conditions could take a turn for the worse, and losing your vision while driving is one of the most dangerous things that could happen.
Have a friend drive, or call 911 for an ambulance.
3 – Playing Sports Without Protective Gear
A single flying baseball, hockey puck, or other gaming object can achieve speeds in excess of 100 mph. That can simply destroy an eye with a direct hit. Sports goggles are the only safe form of eyewear for sports like these, and they can often do a lot to mitigate the damage done by direct hits.
Also, do not wear contact lenses when playing such games. They’ll make the damage from an impact worse, not better.
4 – Not Calling Your Eye Care Specialist
Broadly speaking, if you’re having a problem with your vision that can’t be fixed with either water or over-the-counter painkillers, don’t waste time guessing. Give your Phoenix optometrist a call for a consultation.
Our eyes are extremely fragile, and there honestly are few home remedies that actually help with eye trouble. When in doubt, contact a specialist with your questions!
