Eye Health Myths and Facts: Debunking Common Misconceptions

Our eyes are one of the most vital and delicate organs in our body. From enjoying the beauty of a sunset to reading a book, we rely on our vision every day. However, with so much information available, it can be difficult to know what's true and what's not when it comes to eye health. Many myths have circulated over the years, leading to confusion and sometimes unnecessary worry. Let’s take a closer look at some common eye health myths and uncover the facts behind them.

Myth 1: Reading in Low Light Can Damage Your Eyes

Fact: While reading in dim light may make your eyes feel strained, it won’t cause permanent damage. When we read in low light, our eyes have to work harder to focus, which can lead to temporary discomfort or fatigue. However, this doesn’t cause lasting harm. It's more about comfort than health. If you find yourself squinting or straining, it’s a good idea to improve your lighting, but your vision won’t be permanently affected.

Myth 2: Eating Carrots Will Improve Your Vision

Fact: While carrots are a great source of vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, eating them won’t directly improve your vision or help you see better if you already have 20/20 eyesight. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the retina and preventing conditions like night blindness, but it’s not a magical cure for poor eyesight. A balanced diet, rich in a variety of nutrients, is key to supporting overall eye health.

Myth 3: Wearing Glasses All the Time Will Make Your Eyes Depend on Them

Fact: This is one of the most common myths around corrective eyewear. Glasses or contact lenses simply help correct vision, allowing you to see clearly. Wearing glasses does not worsen your vision or cause your eyes to become dependent on them. If you stop wearing glasses, your vision will remain the same as it was before. However, if you have a refractive error (like nearsightedness or farsightedness), your eyes will still need help to see clearly, and not wearing glasses could lead to unnecessary strain. Your eyes can relax looking through your prescription lenses which when wearing consistently will feel more comfortable. You may feel you are more dependent on the feeling of letting your eyes relax.

Myth 4: You Don’t Need an Eye Exam Unless You Have a Problem with Your Vision

Fact: Regular eye exams are important even if you aren’t experiencing noticeable vision problems. Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, have no obvious symptoms in their early stages. A comprehensive eye exam can detect these issues before they become severe, allowing for early intervention and treatment. Adults should generally have an eye exam every two years, and children should start having exams around 6 month old. Dr. Jensen offers eye exams for kids under 18 for $99.00. 

Myth 5: Sitting Too Close to the TV or Computer Will Damage Your Eyes

Fact: While sitting too close to a screen might cause eye strain, it won’t lead to permanent damage. Prolonged screen time can cause discomfort such as dry eyes, blurred vision, or headaches, a condition known as digital eye strain. To avoid these symptoms, it's important to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Adjusting screen brightness, using anti-glare coatings, and maintaining proper posture can also help reduce strain.

Myth 6: Contact Lenses Are Always Safer than Glasses

Fact: Contact lenses are generally safe when used properly, but they come with a few risks. If they aren’t cleaned and maintained correctly, or if they are worn for too long, contact lenses can lead to infections, dryness, or even more serious complications. In addition, wearing contacts during certain activities, such as swimming, can increase the risk of eye infections. Glasses, on the other hand, don’t have these risks but may be less convenient for some people. Both glasses and contacts have their pros and cons, so it’s important to make the choice that works best for your lifestyle and consult with Dr. Jensen. Dr. Jensen generally recommends daily wear contact lenses for convenience and because they are low maintenance and generally the healthiest for your eyes. If you wear contact lenses, it is still important to have a pair of glasses to give your eyes a break, or in the event you do end up with an eye infection.

Myth 7: Eye Health Declines with Age, and There’s Nothing You Can Do About It

Fact: While it’s true that certain eye conditions become more common as we age—such as cataracts, presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects), and age-related macular degeneration—there’s a lot you can do to protect your vision. Eating a nutrient-rich diet, wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays, not smoking, and getting regular eye exams can all help maintain eye health as you age. Early detection of problems, along with appropriate treatment, can also slow the progression of many eye conditions.

Myth 8: Eye Exercises Can Cure Poor Vision

Fact: While certain eye exercises can help with focusing issues or help relieve digital eye strain, they are not a cure for refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness. Eye exercises won’t change the shape of your eyeball or correct the need for glasses or contacts. However, practices like palming or the 20-20-20 rule can offer relief from eye strain and may help reduce discomfort associated with prolonged screen time.

Myth 9: You Should Avoid Wearing Sunglasses in Winter

Fact: UV rays from the sun are harmful to your eyes year-round, not just in the summer. Snow can reflect UV rays and intensify exposure, so wearing sunglasses in winter is just as important, if not more important, as in the warmer months. Sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays help protect your eyes from sun damage, which can contribute to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions over time. Especially with the elevation of Denver, it is very important to wear sunglasses year round. 

Keeping Your Eyes Healthy

It’s important to be aware of myths about eye health, but it’s just as essential to stay informed and make healthy decisions for your vision. Remember that regular eye exams, wearing protective eyewear, maintaining a healthy diet, and being mindful of screen time can all contribute to keeping your eyes in great shape. By separating fact from fiction, you can protect your vision and ensure that you continue to see the world clearly for many years to come.

So next time you hear someone tell you not to sit too close to the TV or to eat more carrots for better vision, you’ll know just how to respond!