Eyes health myths debunked
Eyes are the complex sensory organs which reacts to visible light and helps us to see objects and perceive light. There are plenty of myths associated with eyes which have been passed to generations over generation.
In this blog, we will discuss about some common myths associated with eye health and expose the truth behind them.
Myth 1: No need of eye exam when your vision is alright
It is quite popular myth that when your vision is fine then you do not need an eye check-up. An eye check-up is not just limited about getting a prescription for glasses. Doctors also examine about the condition of your eyes like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma which can potentially cause blindness if they are not treated or caught early. There are various eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy in which the symptoms may not appear to be noticeable until it reaches a particular stage.
Therefore, a regular check-up of eye is advisable by doctors so that any damage to your eyes can be detected easily and treated accordingly by the doctors. If you are a patient of diabetes, high blood pressure or any search condition which may enhanced the risk for your eye disease then you should go for regular check-ups most oftenly. The AAO recommends a dilated eye check-up for at least every 1 to 2 years if you are aged 65 or above.
Myth 2: Nothing can be done about Cataract
Cataracts are basically the cloudy areas which develops around the eye lenses. your vision men look hazy or blood and you are not able to see things clearly. Cataract cannot be prevented altogetherbut their progression can be slowed from the sun.
Therefore, you should go for regular eye check-ups so that if cataract is detected weather at initial stage or advanced, you can be referred to a cataract surgeon if necessary. It should also be noted that all cataracts are not corrected with the help of surgery. If your vision can be corrected with the prescription of lenses then there is no any need of surgery at the early stages. You can wear contact lenses that have an anti- UV coating that will block out UVB and UVA rays.
Myth 3: Redness of eyes can be relieved through drops
You might have heard about anti- redness drops which fades away redness by reducing swelling in eyes blood vessels. But these drops should not be considered as a good solution for the discomfort which has been caused to your eyes. Once these anti redness drops are washed awaythen swelling may come back even worse. It might cause more harm than good.Restrain yourself from using the products which claims redness removal.
You can go for artificial tears. They contain ingredients which are similar to the compounds which you can found in natural tears which will soothe your irritation and remove the rebound effect. If you have a sensitive eye, then you should use preservative free artificial tears which will not irritate your eyes.
Myth 4: Increased screen time will damage your vision
Another prevalent myth is that an increased screen time will result in the damage of your vision. You might have heard parents telling their kids not to sit too close to TV. Doctors say that no permanent damage to the eye is caused as a result from staring at the screen for long time. Doctors advises to give a break to your eyes by following 20-20-20 rule. In every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and then try to focus on the objectthat is 20 feet away from you for at least 20 seconds. Switching to night mode can also be a good alternative for the smartphone users which will reduce the artificial light coming from your device.
Myth 5: Rub your eyes when it’s irritating you
Another popular myth is rubbing your eyes cause no damage to your eyes and provides a relief to them. Doctors say that bacteria and viruses can be transferred into your eyes when you rub them. It can also take the form of an eye infection like a viral conjunctivitis which are contagious.When you rub your eyes, then you push natural oil glands which is present in the eyelash line.
Though it provides relief to eyes by lubricating them but it is not the suitable method to adopt. You can use Artificial tears or lubricating drops instead. Rubbing your eyeballs for long cannot provide a complete relief. Due to growing age, the natural oil glands along your eyelashes do not produce as much oil as required. You should regularly cleanse your eyelashes with an anti- bacterial eyelid cleansing wipe as bacteria or allergens can accumulate on it.
Myth 6: Genetics and lifestyle have nothing to do with eye health
It is one of the myths regarding genetics and lifestyle. Genetics plays a decisive role in determining health of an organism including predisposition of individuals to various eye diseases and its conditions like glaucoma. If anyone in your family have glaucoma, it increases the risk of developing this disease by 9 times. Additionally, lifestyle plays a crucial role in determining your eye health. Poor lifestyle choices such as smoking, lack of nutrition, excessive screen time and lack of protection from UV rays can increase the risk of development of any eye condition or disease.
Myth 7: Reading in dim light hampers vision
Do reading in dim light can cause discomfort or strain to your eyes but it doesn’t damage your eyes permanently.It is generally advised to read in a well lit area as you will feel more comfortable.
Myth 8: Sitting too close to a TV or laptop screen damages your vision
It is also a popular myth. spending a lot of time on screen or sitting too close to TV can cause fatigue or ice train but it doesn’t cause a permanent vision damage to your eyes.
