According to the National Institutes of Health statistics, 14 million Americans are visually impaired, and 93.1 percent of them are in the age range of 12 to 19 years old. Surprisingly, this is against the long-held belief that old age is primarily responsible for dimmed vision. Here are 5 ways you may have been unknowingly destroying your vision:

• Spending a long time staring at the electronic screens: Whether it is a cell phone, computer, TV, or game console screen, the longer you stare at it, the drier your eyes will be. And dry eye can result in painful, strained eye, showing that your eyes have been put under intense pressure that can make them age prematurely.
• Excessive smoking: Smoking has been discovered to hinder smooth blood circulation, thereby preventing the eyes from getting enough oxygen. This condition can worsen existing eye problems you may have. Smokers are liable to developing cataracts and eye diseases that can eventually lead to a total loss of vision.
• Not using sunglasses for eye protection: You may be exposing your eyes to dangers by not protecting them with sunglasses when sunbathing or staying outdoor for a long time. Harmful ultraviolet (UV) and high-energy visible (HEV) rays can damage your eyes and eyelids and make them grow old quickly. These dangerous rays can also cause cataracts, photokeratitis (eye surface’s sunburn), cancer of the eyelid, and macular degeneration ( the blurred eye condition).
• Improper diets: Eating foods that are rich in nutrients, especially those containing plenty of omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent eye aging or deterioration. You can improve your eyesight by consuming foods such as leafy greens, fruits, organic stuff, fish, and other nutrient-rich food materials. Fast foods and processed foods won’t give your body the nutrients it requires to maintain your good vision.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can make your eyes dry and strained. If your body dehydrates, your eyes won’t have enough tears to liquify your eyes and remove dryness or puffiness from them. It is advisable to drink as much water as necessary per day to keep your body constantly hydrated. Eight cups of water may be a good number!