A medic has revealed 11 common everyday habits that could be harming your eyes, including not sleeping enough, sleeping in makeup, and even not drinking enough water

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Unless they need glasses, most people don't pay attention to their eyes.

However, with hay fever currently at its peak, many are experiencing just how big of an impact it can have when your vision is compromised. While there are a range of medications you can take if you suffer from allergies, eye care in general is important to take seriously.

According to Sharon Copeland, optician at Feel Good Contacts, there are a number of common bad habits that we do every day without even realising that could actually be damaging our eyes. She has revealed 11 in particular that people should be aware of.

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From smoking to not wearing sunglasses to not drinking a water, there are a number of habits the medic has shared that many likely have no idea are correlated with eye health.

Here is a rundown of 11 bad habits you should be weary of in order to keep your eyes healthy according to Feel Good Contacts.

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We already know that sleeping in our makeup is bad, but did you know it could also result in sight loss? A woman who hadn’t properly removed her mascara for 25 years suffered subconjunctival concretions (dots on the underside of the eyelid filled with debris).

Expired makeup is another thing to watch out for. You should also ensure your mascara isn’t older than six months, or you could be putting your eyes at risk of pink eye, irritation or a stye.

If you have to touch your eyes, ensure you wash your hands first or you could be transferring dirt from your hands to your eyes. If you wear contact lenses then it's especially important that you apply and remove your contacts with clean hands. It's also important not to rub your eyes to avoid scratches on the retina and irritation.

If your eyes are itchy you can try applying some eye drops to soothe them, but remember that overusing can be counterproductive. Using eye drops too often will wash away your natural tears, which are more efficient at lubricating your eyes. Follow the instructions on your eye drops packaging or use them as directed by your optometrist.

Constantly staring at computer screens and digital devices isn’t good for your eye health. A digital detox almost seems impossible when we rely on screens for work, for entertainment and even for directions.

Try to take regular breaks by practising the 20/20/20 rule - every 20 minutes, look 20 feet into the distance for at least 20 seconds. You can also wear blue light glasses to help take some of the strain off of your eyes.

Smoking can lead to eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts, which can increase your risk of vision loss. Quit smoking to protect your eyes. Your GP can give you advice on how hot to quit if you’re having trouble doing it alone.

A lack of sleep can negatively impact your overall health, including your eyes. Without enough sleep we can experience dry eyes and irritation.

You should be getting your eyes tested every two years, or sooner if advised by your optometrist. A professional will be able to spot any potential eye infections before they start to progress. If you’ve noticed a change in your vision, you should book a sight test immediately.

Even on overcast days, we still need to wear sunglasses. UV rays still affect our eyes even when the sun isn’t shining. Always carry a pair of UV protecting sunglasses around with you.

A diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids will help keep your eyes healthy. Eating foods that contain lutein will help improve your eye health and lower your risk of getting an eye disease.

Foods containing lutein include kale, spinach, broccoli, pumpkin, carrots and pistachios. Alternatively, you could try taking a lutein supplement, but getting the vitamin through your food is the most effective way.

Sleeping in your contact lenses and wearing them for longer than the recommended time is dangerous. Wearing contact lenses for too long will deprive your eyes of oxygen, drying them out and leading to irritation. Daily lenses in particular are only designed to be worn for a day, after which the lens starts to break down, and you wouldn’t want that to happen while it’s in your eye!

Lack of water throughout the day won’t just negatively affect your eye health, it can also make you feel tired, dizzy and confused. Dehydration can make your eyes feel dry, if you also wear contact lenses then your eyes will feel even drier. Try to get at least 8 glasses of water a day.

DIY can be a satisfying and cost-effective way to change things up, but make sure that you’re always wearing protective gear on your eyes. You should also wear goggles when you are:

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