We all know the basics of eye care—get your eyes tested regularly, wear sunglasses, eat your carrots… But there are several everyday habits and items that could be quietly damaging your eye health without you even realising. Here are five sneaky culprits to keep an eye on (pun intended):

1. Makeup (Yes, Really!)

Your mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow could be doing more than just enhancing your look. Eye makeup, especially if not removed properly, can clog the tiny oil glands around your eyelids and lead to conditions like dry eye or blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid). Using expired products or sharing makeup with others can also introduce harmful bacteria that may lead to infections.

Top tip: Always remove your makeup thoroughly before bed, avoid applying eyeliner to your waterline, and replace eye makeup every 3–6 months.

2. Screen Time Overload

Whether it's your phone, laptop, or TV, we’re all guilty of spending too much time staring at screens. Prolonged screen use can lead to digital eye strain—causing dry eyes, blurry vision, and headaches. It also reduces our blink rate, which dries out the eyes even more.

Top tip: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.

3. Not Wearing Sunglasses (Even on Cloudy Days)

UV rays are harmful year-round, even when the sun isn’t shining. Failing to protect your eyes from UV exposure can increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and even certain types of eye cancer.

Top tip: Choose sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection, and wear them whenever you're outdoors—yes, even in the winter!

4. Sleeping in Contact Lenses

We’ve all done it at least once, but sleeping in your contacts (unless specifically designed for overnight wear) limits oxygen supply to your cornea and creates the perfect environment for bacteria. This can lead to serious infections, some of which can permanently damage your vision.

Top tip: Always take your lenses out before bed and give your eyes a break by wearing glasses occasionally.

5. Poor Diet and Dehydration

Your eyes need nutrients just like the rest of your body. Diets low in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E can negatively affect eye health over time. Likewise, dehydration can lead to dry, irritated eyes and reduced tear production.

Top tip: Drink plenty of water and load up on leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, and colourful veggies for eye-loving nutrients.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your eyes isn’t just about wearing glasses or getting check-ups—it’s about the small daily habits that add up over time. Being mindful of how you treat your eyes every day can help protect your vision well into the future.

Need help finding eyewear that protects and supports your eye health? Whether it’s blue