Eye health myths you should stop believing
Taking care of eye health is essential to our well-being, but it is not uncommon to come across popular beliefs that can lead us astray. Dispelling these false myths is crucial to adopting the right habits and maintaining healthy vision over time.
The false myths on the screens
In the digital age, it is easy to associate visual problems with the intensive use of screens. However, many of the widespread fears find no scientific confirmation. Understanding what is true and what is a mere myth is critical to using technology without unnecessary worry. Screens are not the enemy of vision, but they do require conscious use to avoid fatigue or discomfort.
Watching TV too closely ruins eyesight
How many times have we been told that watching TV up close could damage our eyes? This myth probably stems from children tending to get very close to the screen. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that watching TV up close can cause permanent damage to eyesight.
What can happen is temporary eye fatigue, with symptoms such as eye burning, dryness, or headaches. These symptoms do not result from distance from the screen, but from prolonged time spent looking at it without taking breaks. For this reason, it is always advisable to stop the activity every so often and shift your gaze to more distant objects to relax your eyes.
Being on the computer too much gives you nearsightedness
This is another false myth, particularly prevalent in the digital age. Myopia is mainly influenced by genetic factors and elongation of the eyeball. However, spending too much time at the computer can cause so-called digital eye stress, with symptoms such as tired eyes, blurred vision and difficulty focusing.
To reduce these effects, it is helpful to adopt healthy habits, such as adjusting the position of the screen to eye level, increasing the lighting in the room, and following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. These little tricks can make a big difference in preserving visual comfort.
Wearing glasses worsens eyesight
Many people believe that wearing glasses can make their eyes “lazy” and worsen vision over time. In reality, this belief has no scientific basis. Glasses in no way alter the progression of the vision defect, which is often related to genetic factors or natural aging of the eye.
Indeed, wearing the correct glasses is essential to ensure optimal vision and prevent unnecessary fatigue. If the vision defect appears to be worsening, it is important to consult a professional to update the prescription and ensure that the eyes receive the support they need.
Nutrition and eye health
Ahealthy diet and balanced diet certainly brings many benefits to our bodies, positively affecting eye health as well. It is important, however, not to be under any illusions: no food alone can work miracles, but the combination of the right nutrients can help protect and keep eyesight in shape.
Do carrots and blueberries miraculously improve eyesight?
Although it is true that carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, eating them in large quantities will not improve vision unless you have a deficiency of this vitamin. Similarly, blueberries contain useful antioxidants, but they are not a miracle solution.
A balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids, is key to maintaining healthy eyes. Foods such as spinach, oily fish and nuts provide key nutrients to prevent age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration.
Dark chocolate critical for eye health
In recent years there has been a widespread belief that dark chocolate can improve vision due to its content of flavonoids, antioxidants that promote blood circulation. Although it is true that high-quality dark chocolate can temporarily improve blood flow to the retina, its effects are limited and are not a substitute for a complete and balanced diet. Eating chocolate may be enjoyable, but it is not a solution for long-term ocular health.
Reading in low light is bad for eyesight
Reading in low light can temporarily strain the eyes, causing discomfort or difficulty focusing, but it does not cause permanent damage. To make reading more comfortable, it is advisable to use appropriate light that reduces eye strain. However, there is no reason to worry about any long-term effects.
Eyes need “rest” from glasses
Taking off glasses to “rest” the eyes is neither necessary nor useful. Glasses are designed to correct visual defects and provide clear, comfortable vision. If you experience fatigue or discomfort, it may be time to check in to update your prescription or consider alternative solutions, such as lighter lenses or specific treatments.
Sunglasses are useless when it is cloudy
Many people think that sunglasses are only essential on bright sunny days. In reality, UV rays can penetrate through clouds and damage the eyes even in diffuse light. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection is important in all seasons, not only to prevent immediate discomfort, but also to avoid long-term damage, such as cataracts.
Contact lenses: bad for eye health?
The contact lenses are often the subject of misconceptions and false myths. Some consider them less hygienic than eyeglasses, others fear that they are difficult to maintain. In reality, contact lenses are a practical and safe solution, as long as you use them correctly and follow a few simple rules.
Contact lenses can easily scratch the eye
Contact lenses are safe when used properly. Corneal scratches, in fact, occur mainly when lenses are poorly maintained, such as wearing damaged lenses or not following hygiene rules. Following your optician’s instructions and using the right cleaning products is essential to avoid problems.
Contact lenses are less hygienic than glasses
Contact lenses often have the reputation of being less safe or more difficult to maintain than eyeglasses. In reality, contact lenses are just as safe, as long as the directions for cleaning and replacement are strictly followed.
Daily lenses, for example, are designed to be used once and then discarded, significantly reducing the risk of infection. It is essential to follow good hygiene practices, such as washing hands thoroughly before touching the lenses, to ensure safe use.
Myths and truths: how to really protect eye health
Eye health is a topic often accompanied by false myths, which can lead to poor choices or neglect of the importance of taking proper eye care. Knowing the facts and relying on qualified professionals is critical to ensuring long-term visual well-being. Avoid being influenced by unfounded beliefs and always choose evidence-based solutions to keep your eyes healthy.
