There’s a ton of health advice and information available online, on TV, and even from family and friends. Some are credible, but a lot of bad information is out there — leading to misconceptions and false truths. It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between fact and fiction, and eye health is no exception.
To help you separate the truth and the lies, let’s look at some of the most common facts and myths of eye health, and show you which is which. Stay informed to make the most accurate and best decision for your needs.
Myth: Sitting Too Close to the TV Can Hurt Your Eyes
Sitting closer than necessary to the television may give you a headache or tired eyes, but there’s no evidence to show that it causes permanent damage. If your eyes start to burn or feel strained, close your eyes for a couple of minutes or shift your focus elsewhere to give them a rest. If that doesn’t work, turn off the TV to give your gives a longer break.
Part Fact, Part Myth: Sunglasses are the Best Way to Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
No, it’s not a myth that sunglasses are a good way to protect your eyes, but it is a myth if anyone’s told you you’re safe to look at the sun when wearing them. The sun releases ultra-violet rays that have the ability to damage our retina, lens, and/or cornea. Sunglasses aren’t strong enough to effectively protect your eyes entirely from its ultra-violet rays, so continue to avert your gaze from direct sunlight.
Fact: Looking Straight at the Sun Will Damage Your Sight
Looking directly at the sun may cause a headache and distort your vision, but more importantly, it can also cause permanent eye damage. UV exposure on your eyes can lead to eye disorders such as macular degeneration, solar retinitis, and corneal dystrophies.
Fact: Wearing the Wrong Prescription Can Damage Your Eyes
Wearing the wrong prescription can damage your eyes because it may cause some discomfort or strain. If your glasses or contacts have an old prescription, you might start to experience some eye strain. If this is the case, it’s time to set up another visit with your optometrist. To see your best, don’t wear anyone else’s glasses and get a regular eye exam so you always have the accurate prescription for your vision needs.
Myth: Computer Use Can Damage the Eyes
Computer screens affect vision through repetition. Just like repetitive stress injuries at work, continuous strain on the eyes by digital screens can result in discomfort and pain of the eyes.
When you stare at a computer screen, it requires the eyes’ continual focus, moving back and forth and realigning what you are seeing. If you look down at papers then back at the computer screen the eyes have to accommodate to changing images on the screen in order to create a clear picture for the brain to interpret.
All of these functions occur within milliseconds, and require significant effort from eye muscles. It adds more strain than reading a book or piece of paper because a computer screen fluctuates in contrast, flicker, and glare.
However, even though computer use can cause eye strain, this only applies if you’re using it incorrectly. Make sure you have good light surrounding you, take breaks to rest your eyes, and adjust the brightness according to time of day and surrounding light sources. When you use your computer responsibly and with proper consideration, it will not cause any eye damage.
Myth: Reading in the Dark Will Deteriorate Your Eyesight
Reading in the dark can cause your eyes to feel strained, dry, sore, and may even result in headaches. However, it is unlikely that doing so will permanently weaken your eyes or lead to vision loss. Reading without sufficient light is hard on your eyes because it forces them to collect the light and contract to focus on your reading material. Of course, the easiest solution is to turn on a light to reduce strain.
Part Fact, Part Myth: Eating Carrots Will Improve Your Vision
Carrots are high in vitamin A, a nutrient that is essential for good vision. Eating carrots will help you with the small amount of vitamin A needed for good vision. Vitamin A can also be found in milk, cheese, egg yolk, asparagus, apricots, nectarines, and liver. A well-balanced diet can provide the vitamin A needed for good vision.
Just keep in mind that carrots and other vitamin A-rich foods are good for maintaining healthy vision; none will magically improve your vision. And no matter how regularly you eat these foods, natural deterioration to your vision is often an inevitable aspect of aging.
Schedule a Consultation
Separating the facts and myths of eye health and eye care is important in ensuring you look after your vision. To schedule an eye health checkup, get in contact with Advanced Eye Medical today. We will discuss and review your current eye health and, if applicable, available treatment and management options.