Top 10 Eye Care Myths

November 16, 2021

Maybe you remember a certain late night talk show. One of the most popular segments was “The Top 10 List”. While our list isn’t as funny, it will help you take better care of your vision and help you keep your eyesight strong. This list will even answer the age-old question: Does sitting close to the television damage your eyes?

 

Myth: Eating carrots will improve your eyes

Fact: Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is important for a healthy diet. But eating carrots, even by the bushel, will not improve your eyesight.

 

Myth: Reading in the dark will damage your eyes.
Fact: Our moms told us this over and over. While reading in low light may cause eye fatigue and possibly a headache, it cannot cause permanent damage.

 

Myth: Sitting too close to the TV will hurt your eyes.
Fact: There goes mom again! It’s not uncommon to sometimes sit too close to the TV: maybe you’re engaged with what you’re watching or trying to read a news banner or subtitle. But have no fear! There’s no truth to the myth that our eyes will weaken as a result.

 

Myth: Using the computer a lot can weaken your eyes.
Fact: Similarly, using a computer for long periods can cause eye fatigue, but does not create nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

 

Myth: Wearing glasses all the time weakens the eyes.
Fact: Wearing eyeglasses does not make our eyes worse. Some eye conditions, like nearsightedness, worsen with time but that has nothing to do with glasses. What glasses can do is make us so accustomed to them that without them it can seem our sight is getting worse. The reality is that you are just missing the glasses.

 

Myth: Over-the-counter reading glasses weakens your eyes.
Fact: While OTC reading glasses are not the most stylish or well-made, and the plastic of the lens is usually low quality. However, none of these will hurt your eyes. The fact is our ability to read gets worse with age, not due to the quality of the reading glasses.

 

Myth: Wearing someone else’s glasses weakens your eyes.
Fact: Wearing a prescription that is not the correct one for you can cause eye strain and fatigue but will not cause any eye damage. You could wear the wrong glasses upside down and not suffer one bit from it!

 

Myth: Using wetting drops cures dry eyes.
Fact: Dry eyes are a chronic condition in which the tear gland does not make enough tears. Using wetting drops can make the eyes feel better but does not solve the problem. There are drops available to stimulate more tear production, but they are only available by prescription.

 

Myth: Not everyone gets cataracts.
Fact:  A cataract is the clouding of the natural human lens. Believe it or not, the first symptom of the aging of our eyes that will ultimately lead to cataract formation is the need for reading glasses in our 40s.

 

Myth: Eye exams aren’t necessary unless you have a problem.
Fact: This couldn’t be more false. Frequently, we don’t even recognize when it’s time to update our prescription without an exam! Additionally, serious issues like glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, and hypertension can only be picked up by a routine eye exam.

 

Annual eye exams are an important way to monitor your eyes and overall health. And the biggest myth of all is that you can’t find a Vision Plan that has amazing benefits at a low cost anymore. Your association and AMBA have a Vision Plan available that provides comprehensive coverage and excellent discounts at low group rates like when you were working. Sign up now.

 

Sources: https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-eye-exam-can-detect-5119385

 

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-carrots-improve-your-vision/

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