We blink, we squint and we rub our eyes after a long day but have you ever stopped to think about how your daily habits affect your vision? Most of us don’t.
However, research shows that simple, everyday activities may be putting our eyesight at risk without us even realising it.
A recent study reveals that 54% of people who use eyelash extensions report eye problems.
Meanwhile, weather-related factors contribute to 36.5% of eye disease cases. These numbers are alarming, considering how common these habits are.
The hidden dangers of eyelash extensions
Lush, long lashes might be the dream but at what cost? A study of 400 women found that: 38% experienced itchy eyes, 36% suffered from lash loss and 34% reported eye redness.
According to Gidon Sadovsky, an optical industry expert at Overnight Glasses, the adhesives used in lash extensions can trigger severe allergic reactions.
Alarmingly, 12% of users admitted to using toxic multipurpose glue, which can harm not only the eyes but also respiratory health.
During lockdown, an influencer used gorilla glue on their hair, which took a month to remove. Brown's ponytail required emergency room visits, acetone, Goo Off, a big chop and a four-hour procedure with a plastic surgeon to achieve hair redemption.
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How indoor air quality affects vision
Did you know that the mould lurking in your bathroom could be affecting your eyesight? Research shows that mycotoxins from mould, especially the Aspergillus species, trigger inflammation in the eye’s surface cells.
Sadovsky explains: “These toxins become airborne in humid environments. Even low exposure can lead to persistent inflammation and allergic reactions.”
Climate change and eye health
With South Africa experiencing rising temperatures, it’s important to consider how climate affects vision. Studies show that for every 1°C increase in temperature, UV radiation exposure rises by 2%.
This is concerning because:
- UV exposure increases the risk of cataracts by 10-150%.
- It heightens the chances of viral eye infections by 14-33%.
Decreased humidity and increased pollution create the perfect conditions for eye damage," warns Sadovsky.
Sleep hygiene: Dirty pillowcases are a nightmare for the eyes
We spend one-third of our lives asleep, yet few of us consider how sleep hygiene affects eye health. Dirty pillowcases harbour bacteria, dead skin cells and dust mites, leading to chronic inflammation and recurrent infections.
Sadovsky cautions: “Regular contact during sleep can trigger infections, leaving eyes irritated and red.”
Please wash your pillowcases at least once a week and use hypoallergenic bedding to minimise irritants.
Pets and eye health: the risks of sharing your bed
Research suggests that pet hair and dander increase the risk of microscopic corneal abrasions, especially for those who sleep with pets in their beds and forget to wash their hands after touching pets.
Sadovsky explains: “These small abrasions make the eyes vulnerable to infections.”
The eye drop trap
Many people rely on over-the-counter eye drops to relieve redness, but few realise they could be making the problem worse.
Sadovsky warns that some eye drops cause “rebound redness,” leading to dependency and damage to blood vessels over time.
Too much screen time
South Africans spend an average of nine hours, and 24 minutes a day, glued to their screens (that's two hours and 44 minutes more than average, according to a 2025 Backlinko survey.
Too much sugar
Eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes are more likely to develop vision problems over time.
The wrong use of cosmetics
Using eye cosmetics incorrectly can also harm your eyes. Old or unclean make-up can cause eye infections and irritation.
To protect your vision, always use clean applicators, remove make-up before bed and replace cosmetics regularly.
If you’re guilty of some of these habits, don’t panic. The good news is that small changes can make a big difference in protecting your eyesight.
Eye-saving tips you can start today:
- Limit eyelash extension use and choose safe adhesives.
- Improve indoor air quality by reducing humidity and mould exposure.
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors.
- Wash pillowcases weekly to avoid bacterial build-up.
- Keep pet hair away from your bed and wash hands after handling pets.
- Use eye drops cautiously and avoid long-term dependency.