You probably look after your skin, your teeth, and your diet — but how often do you think about your eyes? Most of us don’t pay them much attention until something feels off. But your eyes notice everything you do, and many of our daily habits are wearing them down more than we realise. If your vision isn’t as sharp as it used to be, or you’re finding yourself rubbing your eyes more often than usual, it might be time for a rethink.
Here are seven surprisingly common habits that can quietly ruin your vision over time — and what to do instead.
1. Staring at Screens for Hours Without a Break
We all do it. Phones, tablets, laptops — they’ve become extensions of our hands. But constant screen exposure forces your eyes to focus at a close distance for hours, leading to digital eye strain (also known as computer vision syndrome). Dryness, headaches, and blurry vision often follow.
The fix is simple: use the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. It helps your eye muscles relax and reduces fatigue. And if you wear glasses, consider lenses with a blue light filter. Brands like Ray-Ban now offer frames with this option, which can ease the pressure on your eyes during long days at a desk.
2. Rubbing Your Eyes (Even Just a Little)
It’s a natural reflex when you’re tired, stressed, or trying to wake yourself up — but rubbing your eyes can do real damage. Over time, it can weaken the cornea and contribute to conditions like keratoconus, where the eye’s surface thins and bulges outwards.
Instead, try cooling eye drops or a cold compress if your eyes feel itchy or strained. And if allergies are a regular trigger, it might be worth speaking to your optician about antihistamine drops or prescription solutions.
3. Skipping Your Regular Eye Tests
If you can still read the road signs and your emails look clear, it’s tempting to put off your eye test. But your eyes can change gradually, and serious problems like glaucoma often don’t show symptoms until they’re quite advanced.
An eye exam doesn’t just check whether you need stronger lenses — it also gives insight into your overall eye health. Opticians can spot signs of diabetes, high blood pressure and other underlying health issues. If it’s been more than two years since your last test, it’s time to book in.
4. Wearing the Wrong Glasses (or None at All)
Wearing outdated prescriptions or cheap off-the-shelf readers might seem harmless, but doing so can make your eyes work harder than they need to. That often leads to fatigue, eye strain, and headaches. In the long run, it could even affect your posture, especially if you’re squinting or leaning closer to your screen all the time.
A good pair of prescription glasses, fitted correctly and suited to your lifestyle, can make a huge difference. Look for quality frames from trusted brands — Ted Baker, Guess, and Polo Ralph Lauren all have stylish, well-made options that blend design with function.
5. Not Wearing Sunglasses on Cloudy Days
Many people only reach for their sunglasses when the sun is blazing. But UV rays don’t disappear just because it’s overcast. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet light can contribute to cataracts, macular degeneration, and even growths on the surface of the eye.
Keep a decent pair of sunglasses with full UVA and UVB protection in your bag, car, or coat pocket. Polarised lenses offer added protection against glare, which is especially useful for driving or spending time by water.
6. Sleeping in Your Contact Lenses
Unless your lenses are specifically designed for overnight wear (and even then, it’s debatable), sleeping in contacts is a shortcut to trouble. Oxygen flow to your corneas drops significantly when your eyes are closed, and lenses can make it worse — increasing your risk of infection or even corneal ulcers.
If you find yourself nodding off in them often, you might want to switch to glasses in the evening, or consider daily disposables. Your eyes will thank you.
7. Ignoring Dry Eyes
Dry eyes aren’t just uncomfortable — they can interfere with your vision. When your eyes lack proper lubrication, they become irritated, red, and sensitive to light. Left untreated, dry eye syndrome can cause long-term damage.
Office air con, heating, and long hours on screens can all make things worse. Try a humidifier, take regular screen breaks, and consider switching to glasses when working at a computer. Some glasses — like those from Emporio Armani or Tommy Hilfiger — can be fitted with lenses designed to reduce dryness and glare.
Your eyes work hard every day. They adjust to every lighting condition, distance, and detail — usually without complaint. But just like the rest of your body, they need a bit of care and attention to stay in good shape.
A few small changes can make a huge difference: a proper eye exam, the right lenses, a little sun protection, and fewer late nights with your contacts in. And if your current glasses feel like an afterthought, maybe it’s time to invest in something better. Your vision’s worth it.
