13 Habits Secretly Hurting Your Eyes, According to Optometrists

Countless factors affect eye health, from genetics to the environment. Vision is widely considered our most important sense, yet many of us don't give our eyes the attention we should. Our brains are so good at adapting to changes that you may not notice your vision worsening until a more drastic issue arises. That's why it's vital to have regular check-ups -- and the more you know about your eyes, the better.

We connected with four optometrists and eye specialists for expert insight into 13 factors and habits that are secretly hurting your eyes and simple ways to combat them.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology predicts a sharp rise in vision issues in the next 30 years. Alongside genetic or age-related changes in vision, various daily practices can negatively impact eye health, making us more likely to suffer from eye strain and discomfort. Here are the factors to keep an eye out for.

Spring has arrived, bringing seasonal allergies along with it. It's no secret that allergies can affect our eyes, often causing redness, watering, itchiness or irritation. But it's not just outdoor allergens that affect eye health -- indoor allergens also play a role.

"Using HEPA air purifiers can help reduce dust, pet dander, kitchen fumes and other indoor irritants. I always recommend that patients avoid touching or rubbing their eyes, as this can make allergy symptoms worse," said Dr. Artis Beatty, optometrist and chief medical officer for MyEyeDr.

"Having air purifiers or humidifiers is recommended to help minimize direct exposure to allergens and increase the moisture in your surroundings. They also generally help alleviate itchiness or discomfort," said Dr. Kevin Chan, principal optometrist and senior clinical director of Treehouse Eyes.

Read more: Humidifier vs. Purifier: We Asked Medical Experts Which Is Better for Allergies

Indoor allergens affect not only your eyes but also your overall health. CNET wellness editor Anna Gragert recently investigated the effects of poor air quality on workouts and recovery and learned of the potential impacts, such as bronchitis, asthma and even lung cancer or stroke.

If you can't find relief from your allergies, Beatty recommends visiting your doctor to discuss using prescription or over-the-counter drops or oral or nasal medications.

All that glitters is not gold -- even makeup can harm your eyes. Improper use, poor hygiene and expired products may cause serious damage to your skin and eyes, including clogged pores, bacterial or mold growth, and infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, the typical shelf life for mascara and liquid eyeliner is only three months. In one study, up to 98% of participants reported using makeup after the expiration date, the most common product being mascara.

"Understanding cosmetic safety is crucial when it comes to your eyes. Some important tips include making sure that you don't get any products inside the eye. We always think of mascaras, eyeliners or eyeshadows as the culprits, but even foundations or concealers can cause trouble if we let them get too close to the eye's surface," Beatty said.

"Avoid products with harsh fragrances or glitter near the eyes. Look for brands labeled ophthalmologist-tested, hypoallergenic and preservative-free -- like Daily Practice's ophthalmologist-created skin care for the eyes," said Dr. James Kelly, MD, refractive surgeon specialist and comprehensive ophthalmologist in NYC.

Eye specialists recommend water-soluble products, as they are easier to rinse off. Proper storage of cosmetics is also important. Improper storage can affect a product's longevity and lead to bacteria or mold growth, putting you at risk of infection and subsequent eye diseases.

Read more: Beauty Brands You Should Try in 2025

Rubbing our eyes is a natural response when they feel irritated or itchy. "Rubbing can increase the risk of scratching your cornea -- particularly if small particles from the air are the cause. Additionally, it can introduce bacteria or viruses onto the surface of the eye, increasing the risk of infections. Instead of rubbing your eyes, it's better to address the underlying cause," Beatty said.

"While it can help alleviate itchiness temporarily and 'feel good,' constantly rubbing the eyes can actually alter the shape of the cornea," Chan said.

Putting unnecessary pressure on your eyeballs can also cause tiny blood vessels to break and worsen pre-existing conditions, such as glaucoma and allergies. Because the skin around our eyes is extremely thin and fragile, it may even create dark circles and cause wrinkles to form prematurely. Bottom line? Don't do it.

A 2025 report by VSP Vision Care and Workplace Intelligence found that 68% of employees experience digital eye strain, which happens when you spend too much time looking at screens. The symptoms (blurred vision, itchy or dry eyes, headaches and eye fatigue) are usually temporary but they can be uncomfortable and affect overall well-being and productivity. Here are a few expert-recommended strategies to reduce the effects of staring at screens all day:

• Use the 20/20/20 rule: "When we sit in front of a screen our eyes have to work rather diligently to maintain our clarity for objects at such a close distance. As a result, we don't blink as often as we should and our eye muscles begin to fatigue. For every 20 minutes on the screen, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away. This helps your eyes reset and relaxes the muscles involved in focusing the eye while restoring your blink rate to normal," Beatty said.
• Take longer breaks. Incorporating daily outdoor strolls into your routine is good for your mental health and productivity and allows your eyes to focus on distant objects.
• Optimize your digital setup. This includes increasing the size of your text and adjusting the contrast to make it easier to read. "When using a computer, position the screen so that the top is at or slightly below eye level to reduce neck and back strain, and ensure it's at least an arm's length away," Beatty said.
• Wear blue light glasses or lenses. When asked about the effectiveness of blue light glasses, Beatty said, "There is a lot of continuing research on blue light and how it affects vision, sleep and overall ocular health over time. I recommend that individuals who spend a lot of time in front of screens consider blue light glasses to support their long-term vision health. And because these glasses not only filter blue light but often offer a reduction in glare and can help with focusing when in front of a computer screen, they can be highly effective in reducing digital eye strain symptoms."

You probably saw this one coming. As you age, your eyesight can change or worsen for multiple reasons. Tear production slows (causing drier eyes) and the proteins in your lens might begin to break down, resulting in cataracts. Older people may experience symptoms of age-related eye conditions, such as:

• Blurred vision
• Burning or itchiness
• Eyes that are too dry or watery
• Sensitivity to light
• Trouble discerning certain colors

The good news is that you can take steps to help prevent the onset of certain age-related eye conditions, which includes regular physical activity. A 2022 study published in Harvard Women's Health Watch found that exercise can boost tear production, which helps keep your eyes moist and protects them from irritants.

"Staying active is extremely important for your overall health and benefits your eyes as well. Keeping active means your eyes are constantly being used to help maintain hand-eye coordination and ocular muscle balance. It also means you are likely more aware of changes in your vision that could be a sign of trouble," Beatty said.

Read more: Expert Tips for Maintaining Your Eye Health

This one is also no surprise -- you need to protect your eyes from the sun. Dr. Mackenzie Sward, a board-certified ophthalmologist, recommends wearing 100% UV protection every time you step outside. "Harmful UVA and UVB rays in the atmosphere can increase the risk of macular degeneration, cataracts, skin cancer of the eyelid and other diseases of the eye," she said.

"Cumulative UV exposure and damage only increases the lifetime incidence of macular degeneration, cataracts, pterygium and skin cancer," she said. These conditions may be permanent or require surgical treatment to correct. People in occupations with more outdoor work, such as construction or landscaping, are at higher risk of certain conditions related to UV damage, so they should be more mindful of protecting themselves.

"Don't be deceived by cloudy skies or cooler weather -- it's still important to wear sunglasses, no matter the conditions," Beatty said.

Approximately 10% to 20% of the population has pet allergies, most commonly to dogs and cats. Despite this, one in three Americans allergic to cats live with one anyway, choosing to suffer the consequences in return for the love and affection our pets provide.

Pet allergies occur because of a specific protein in the pet's dander, saliva and urine -- not the fur itself. This dander can carry other allergens, such as pollen and dust mites, further triggering symptoms.

"Proper pet grooming is an important component in the overall allergy maintenance regimen," Kelly said. Regardless, the key is to always wash your hands after touching your pets and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.

Adding an air purifier to your arsenal of allergy defense can significantly help with pet dander. CNET's experts tested and chose the Blueair Blue Pure 511 air purifier as the best for those with pets, especially if you share the bed with them at night.

It's possible to overuse or become dependent on eye drops, creating a cycle that can cause further damage. Over-the-counter eye drops typically should not be used daily or as a long-term solution; instead, they're usually intended for temporary treatment as you pinpoint the underlying cause.

"Eye drops can be an effective solution for issues like itchy eyes, dry eyes or redness. However, it's important not to exceed the recommended dosage. If over-the-counter eye drops aren't providing relief, it's a good idea to consult with your eye doctor for recommendations or prescription options," Beatty said.

Signs you might be overusing eye drops include increased dryness, irritation, watery eyes or blurry vision. Redness-relieving eye drops, in particular, have the potential to cause rebound redness, where the blood vessels are damaged, and the redness of your eyes returns once you stop using them -- sometimes worse than before.

Read more: Should You Stop Using Eye-Whitening Drops?

If you think you're saving money by recycling your contacts, it may cost you more in the long run. As someone who used to do this and, as a result, ended up with multiple eye infections, Giselle can attest that it's a habit worth breaking. "When I switched to using daily contacts and glasses interchangeably, I drastically reduced my chances of developing an eye infection, keeping my eyes healthier," Giselle said.

Changing to dailies is worth considering: One study found that people who wear reusable contact lenses are about four times more at risk of developing acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare eye infection that can increase your risk of vision loss or blindness, compared with people who use daily contacts.

"If contact lenses are not used properly, such as extended wear for long hours, swimming with them or not following the recommendations by eye care providers, it can result in blurry vision or discomfort. It may also increase the risks of eye infection, which, in the worst-case scenario, may lead to permanent vision loss," Chan said.

Here are a few best practices:

• Wash your hands before touching the lenses
• Remove them before bed at night
• Do not wear them for extended periods
• Don't use them if you have pain, redness or discharge
• Never rinse lenses in tap water
• Clean your contact lens case regularly

Sward warned, "Sleeping in your contact lenses and failing to properly clean your lenses can significantly increase the risk of a corneal ulcer caused by a bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection."

Read more: Best Places to Buy Contacts Online

Additionally, Beatty advises that you should never wear lenses that have not been prescribed for you as the brand, material and how they fit your eyes are important. "If you are wearing a multi-use lens, don't forget your case. It should be cleaned daily, allowed to air dry between uses and replaced every 90 days to minimize the risk of contamination."

It's not just carrots that are good for your eyes. The foods you eat and the nutrients you consume (or don't) can significantly impact your eye health. "If you're eating a lot of fast food and not enough fruits and vegetables, your eyes may be missing out on vital vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids."

Antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc are just a few nutrients your eyes need for proper functioning. One study of more than 32,000 women aged 45 to 84 found that those who consumed more omega-3s had a significantly decreased risk of developing dry eye syndrome.

Your water intake also affects your eye health. "Not drinking enough water and poor sleep can both impact eye moisture and comfort," Kelly said.

Read more: 12 Best Foods for Optimal Eye Health

Poor diet or other health conditions can also impact your eyes. "Blood sugar plays a crucial role in eye health, so preventing or managing diabetes goes a long way to help prevent certain eye problems," Beatty said.

"Your eyes are often the first place to show signs of systemic issues like diabetes or hypertension," Kelly said. "While there are no miracle exercises, maintaining overall health -- especially controlling blood pressure and blood sugar -- goes a long way in protecting vision."

This means you should also monitor your intake of foods that can potentially worsen your eyesight. Highly processed foods and meats, such as hot dogs and deli meat, are chock-full of sodium. Consuming too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, negatively impacting your eyes by causing blood vessel damage and fluid buildup.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss for older people and the foods you eat can lead to this -- such as fried foods, certain cooking oils and sugary drinks.

You should wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing work that involves the risk of an eye injury. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that "about 2,000 people per day sustain work-related eye injuries and the American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that there are 30,000 sports-related eye injuries every year in the United States," Sward said.

Many of these injuries are preventable and usually involve foreign objects that get stuck in the eye, such as dust, wood, metal or plant debris. Other injuries you can sustain from lack of eye protection include blunt or direct trauma from falls or from larger objects such as tools that hit the face. So be sure to protect your eyes and those tiny blood vessels with the right gear.

Aside from the known health risks of smoking, it can also harm your eyes. Smoking cigarettes doubles the risk of macular degeneration, which can cause you to lose vision in the part of your eye known as the macula.

Smoking also harms your retina and increases your chances of cataracts, which cloud your eye's lenses and also can lead to loss of vision. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, smokers are about three times more likely to develop cataracts and up to four times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration compared with nonsmokers. If you habitually smoke cigarettes, it's in your best interest to try to kick the habit.

Eight in 10 people rate vision as the most important sense but only half get annual eye exams. All the eye experts we consulted emphasized the importance of this. Annual eye exams "are the most crucial step in protecting your eye health and managing any potential conditions. While having clear vision today is important, annual eye exams can help make sure you have clear vision in the future," Beatty said.

Chan added, "More than 270 eye diseases or abnormal eye conditions can be identified or diagnosed by a comprehensive eye examination."

If you have a child, starting their annual eye exams early is key. Research by VSP found that only 12% of parents are aware that their child should have their first eye exam as young as six months old.

Chan said that the American Optometric Association recommends that babies have their first eye exam between six and 12 months through an initiative known as InfantSEE. "InfantSEE providers can identify and diagnose many preventable eye conditions, such as refractive error, strabismus (eye turns), or amblyopia (i.e., 'lazy eyes,')" Chan said.

Many factors in our daily lives can affect our eye health and vision. Being aware of these and practicing preventative care (including annual eye exams, using an air purifier, exercising and prioritizing a nutrient-rich diet) can make a huge difference in your eyesight down the road.

If you're experiencing discomfort, blurry vision, headaches, dry eyes or any of the other symptoms mentioned above, it's best to schedule a visit with your provider or an eye specialist. As Kelly put it, "Regular eye exams are more than vision checks -- they're a window into your overall health. Early detection of glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration may dramatically alter the course of the disease process and quality of life."

If you're one of the 45 million Americans who wear contact lenses, there's a good chance that you're using them in an unhygienic way. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 99% of contact-lens wearers practice at least one "contact lens hygiene risk behavior." These include not replacing cases frequently enough and wearing lenses to sleep.

In some cases, these behaviors can lead to doctor's visits and other health issues -- but many of these problems are preventable. Here's what you should and shouldn't do with your contact lenses to minimize the risk of infection and discomfort.

Are contacts safe? Yes -- but only if used correctly. From topping up old contact solution to touching your eyes with dirty hands, here are some of the most common contact lens mistakes to avoid.

There’s a reason you’re told to not rub your eyes while wearing contact lenses. Dr. Jennifer Martin Maples, an optometrist with over 20 years of experience, told CNET: “Regardless of contact lens wear, eye rubbing is not a good idea because bacteria and viruses are transferred from the hands to the eye, which can result in eye infection.”

Rubbing your eyes can also worsen eye allergies and has been associated with keratoconus -- an eye disease that causes thinning of the cornea and poor vision even when wearing the best glasses or contacts. Not to mention, rubbing your eyes can cause contact lenses to dislodge, fall out or become decentered.

You also don’t want to risk scratching or damaging your cornea or cause your contacts to fold in your eye. To be safe, wash your hands and remove the contacts first before rubbing or touching your eyes.

According to the CDC, 1 in 3 contact lens wearers say they sleep or nap in their lenses. However, the agency warns against doing so, saying that wearing contacts to bed can make you six to eight times more likely to get an eye infection. So, are contacts bad for your eyes at night?

“When you sleep in contact lenses, the front surface of the eye known as the cornea becomes deprived of oxygen and the risk of corneal infection increases,” Maples said.

Even though some contacts are approved for extended or overnight use, daily use contacts reduce hydration and oxygen flow to your eyes, which can leave them more vulnerable to bacteria and infections, such as bacterial keratitis and fungal keratitis. Additionally, Maples points out that corneal infections can cause painful corneal ulcers and may result in irreversible vision loss.

When you disinfect your contact lenses, you should first ensure that you've emptied out any old contact solution that's still in the case from the last time you cleaned your lenses. Then, you should rinse the case with a new solution and let it air dry before you wash your lenses again. Keep in mind used contact lens solution is no longer sterile.

If you reuse or top off the old solution, the disinfection process will be less effective, and you'll be more likely to get germs in your case or lenses.

“Reusing or topping off old solution increases the risk of infection with bacteria, fungi and amoebae,” said Maples. These can eventually lead to eye infections and ulcers. So make sure you’re using fresh solution each time.

Another risky behavior is using tap water or another liquid, rather than a sterile contact solution, to clean your lenses or case. The official CDC recommendation is to keep contacts away from water altogether and throw away or disinfect any lenses that touch the water.

“Water harbors microbes and exposure of contact lenses to water greatly increases the risk for corneal infection, ulcer and irreversible vision loss,” said Maples.

As you may know, getting sunscreen in your eyes can be a painful experience. “You should be careful to avoid getting sunscreen in the eyes or on your contacts because sunscreen can irritate the eyes,” says Maples. However, it can be even worse if you get it on your contacts because not only will it sting your eyes, but it can also ruin your lenses. If that happens, you'll want to be prepared with a backup pair of lenses or glasses.

To prevent leaving sunscreen on your contacts, wash and dry your hands before putting them near your eyes. Follow the same process when taking them out.

You should also avoid showering with contacts in, for the same reasons we've just mentioned above. Even if you live in an area with clean, drinkable water, wearing contacts in the shower increases your risk of keratitis, a serious eye infection that can lead to permanent vision loss or impairment. As Maples mentioned, adding water to contacts can introduce bacteria into the eye so you want to avoid that.

Another common question: Can you wash your face with contacts in? Again, no. Getting your contacts wet -- whether while showering or washing your face -- can cause them to bend or stick to your eye, potentially scratching your cornea and making them painful to remove.

Like showering and cleaning your contacts with water, wearing contact lenses while swimming or using a hot tub is another major no-no. This just makes you more at risk of getting an infection, so it’s not a habit Maples supports.

Whether you're in a pool or a natural body of water, your contacts can soak up the water (which may be contaminated with bacteria) and trap it against your eye. After this happens, you may be more likely to develop uncomfortable and dangerous eye problems, including inflammation, infection, irritation and corneal abrasion.

There are many types of contact lenses, including daily wear and extended wear options. But regardless of which kind you have, it's important to replace them according to your eye doctor's recommendations. That might mean changing them daily, weekly or monthly.

“As the lenses age, more pathogens collect on the lenses,” said Maples, adding, “Even with regular cleaning and disinfecting, small defects in the lens surface allow for pathogens to hide in small tears or crevices in the lens surface.”

If you use a pair of contact lenses for too long, the consequences can be serious, ranging from discomfort to pain to blindness. Speak with your eye doctor immediately if you've noticed any of these symptoms.

Whether inserting or removing your contact lenses, it's imperative to do so with clean hands. “Even when the hands look clean, they still harbor pathogens that can cause serious eye infections,” Maples warned. You could get all kinds of bacteria into your contacts or eyes, increasing the chances of developing inflammation or an infection.

There are simple ways to reduce these risks: Before handling your lenses, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water, then use a clean towel to dry them.

Itchy eyes can be triggered by a number of things, including seasonal allergies, dryness or an allergic reaction to your contacts or contact solution.

“Environmental allergies can be exacerbated by contact lens wear if not properly managed,” Maples said.

In some cases, the contact lenses could trigger the allergic response. Either way, it's best to temporarily take out your contacts until you've identified and resolved the issue with your doctor.

“Without proper treatment, continued wear of contact lenses can worsen allergy symptoms and lead to increased discomfort and irritation,” Maples explained.

In some cases, relief from itchy, dry eyes may be as simple as changing the brand of your contacts, replacing your lenses more often or using eye drops. Your ophthalmologist can help you determine the best solution for your situation.

Since your case holds your contact lenses while you wash them, it should also be kept clean and tightly sealed. Otherwise, it could transfer bacteria onto your lenses and potentially lead to an eye infection. “Over time, pathogens accumulate on the contact lens case and can form a thin film, called a biofilm, that can lead to infection,” said Maples.

She recommends cleaning your case daily using contact lens solution, rinsing and air-drying in a room that is not your bathroom. Maples recommends replacing your contact lens case once a month.

If you wear makeup, you need to be careful about not getting it on your contacts, as it could leave a film and contaminate them. To avoid this, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before putting in your contacts and again when taking them out.

Also, the American Optometric Association suggests putting in soft lenses before you apply makeup. If you wear rigid gas-permeable lenses, these should be inserted after doing your makeup routine.

“Makeup should be removed nightly to avoid blockage of the meibomian (oil) glands in the eyelids and to remove bacteria and allergens, like pollen,” said Maples. She added that blockage of the eyelids' glands can lead to infection, commonly called a stye.

If you're heading out on a business trip or weekend away, it might be tempting to transfer your contact solution into a smaller, travel-friendly container. However, the US Food and Drug Administration advises against this, as it can compromise the solution's sterility and put you at risk of an eye infection. “This could also result in damage to the eyes and reduced efficacy of the disinfecting and cleaning process,” Maples said.

The FDA recommends disposing of any contact solution that's past its expiration or discard date since the formula can become less effective after these dates.