By Erika Remmington
Has your mother ever told you not to squint too hard or you’ll ruin your eyes? Or that eating certain foods can improve your eyesight? This sort of advice on eye care is common for most people growing up. But just how accurate is it? Here are five of the most common myths concerning eyesight, and the truths behind them.
Myth: Eye exercises will keep you from needing glasses.
The strength of your vision is based on the shape of your eyes and the health of your eye tissues, amongst other factors. The only effect eye exercises will have is exercising the muscles that control your eye movements. This will never enhance your vision or diminish a person’s need for glasses.
Myth: Reading in dim light will worsen your vision.
While dim or low light can fatigue your eyes more quickly, it will not harm your eyesight. Your eyes naturally adjust themselves to higher or lower light levels, so dim light is nothing that will permanently damage them.
To mitigate eye fatigue when reading in low light, try to focus the light source directly over the page you’re reading. A light that shines from elsewhere, like over your shoulder, can create a glare and make it more difficult for your eyes to focus.
Myth: Eating carrots will improve your eyesight.
Carrots contain vitamin A, which is good for your eyes. But vitamin A is only a necessary ingredient in maintaining your eyesight, not something that can improve it over time. That would be like assuming you can grow more muscle simply by eating more protein.
Carrots aren’t the only vegetables that contain vitamin A. Green leafy vegetables and fresh fruit are also an excellent source of vitamin A, as well others such as vitamins C and E. These can actually help prevent age-related eye problems, such as macular degeneration.
Myth: You shouldn’t wear glasses all the time. Taking a break from glasses or contact lenses allows your eyes to rest.
Contact lenses and glasses are prescribed for a reason. Walking around without them will only strain your eyes and needlessly tire them out.
But eye glasses, and especially contact lenses, are good places for bacteria to accumulate, which can harm your vision. It’s a good idea to clean your glasses or contacts regularly to prevent the build-up of bacteria.
Myth: Staring at a computer screen all day is harmful to the eyes.
Staring at a screen all day can in fact strain your eyes. But this will never cause permanent damage to your vision. To mitigate the strain on your eyes, be sure to take breaks from the computer. Blinking more often can also keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable.
Many people grow up hearing myths about eye care. Many are groundless, and will have almost no impact on your vision. It’s important to know the difference between fact and opinion concerning eyesight so that you can maintain proper eye care without needlessly worrying about hurting your eyes.
Informational credit to Eyeconx, a Calgary eye clinic.
Comments are closed.