Everyone has heard myths about what is and isn’t good for
your eye health — from eating more carrots to limiting screen time.
Unfortunately, many so-called facts are anything but factual, according to Dr.
Ryan Nakamura, a VSP Vision Care optometrist. Here, he sorts fact from fiction.
Myth: Reading in dim
lighting will damage my eyes.
It may seem hard to believe, but there is no evidence that
reading in dim light will cause long-term damage to your eyes. “Dim lighting
can lead to eye strain, requiring your eyes to work harder and making them tire
more quickly, but it’s only temporary,” says Dr. Nakamura. That said, if you
have access to a well-lit room for reading, take advantage of it.
Myth: The darker the
lenses my sunglasses are, the better they will protect my eyes.
Not exactly. “Dark sunglass lenses may reduce eye discomfort
for those who experience light sensitivity, but they do not provide additional
protection from ultra-violet rays,” says Nakamura.
More important than the darkness of your lenses is making
sure the sunglasses have UVA and UVB protection — the only true defense against
the sun’s harmful rays. Over time, exposure to UV rays can lead to cataracts,
macular degeneration and, in some cases, even blindness. So whether you prefer
lighter or darker lenses in your frames, sunglasses are a must-have year-round.
Don’t forget to make sure the children in your life wear them, too.
Myth: Working many
hours in front of a computer screen will change my glasses prescription.
Working too long in front of the computer won’t change your
prescription, but there are some impacts to consider. The blue light emitted
from electronic devices can be damaging — impacting your sleep and possibly
causing macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in
adults. Also, using electronics for extended periods of time can result in
digital eye strain. Symptoms of digital eye strain include fatigue, headaches
and neck pain.
READ MORE: Have your child's eyes been checked lately?
To help protect against digital eye strain and blue light
exposure, consider using eyeglass lenses with blue light protection. Also
remember the 20-20-20 rule: for every 20 minutes spent looking at your
computer, TV or digital device, spend 20 seconds looking at something at least
20 feet away.
Myth: If you don’t
have obvious issues with your vision, you don’t need an annual eye exam.
A comprehensive annual eye exam can protect far more than
just vision. It can detect signs of serious health problems — including
diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol — many times before physical
symptoms are present. Some serious eye conditions have no immediately obvious
signs or symptoms, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, and take a
comprehensive eye exam to detect. Regardless of visible symptoms, a
comprehensive eye exam is a must every year, Dr. Nakamura recommends.
Don’t just believe old wives’ tales when it comes to eye
health. Arm yourself with the facts to better protect your family’s vision long
term.
Article provided by
State Point.