Nine Common Beliefs about Eye Health: The Truth

You may have had some misconceptions regarding eye health if you were ever reprimanded as a child for reading in the dark or if you used blue light-blocking glasses while working on a computer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about four out of every 10 people in the United States are at high risk of eyesight loss. According to Dr. Joshua Ehrlich, an assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Michigan, many eye problems are treatable or avoidable.

Let's look at the nine common beliefs about eye health and what professionals have to say about them.

READING A BOOK OR LOOKING AT ELECTRONIC DEVICE UP CLOSE IS BAD FOR YOUR EYES

–TRUE– According to Dr. Zhu Xiaoying, an associate clinical professor of optometry and a top myopia researcher, looking at things too close to your face for extended periods of time, particularly during childhood, can lead to nearsightedness or myopia. Dr. Zhu recommends following the 20-20-20 rule to prevent eye strain: after every 20 minutes of close reading, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 6 meters away.

READING IN THE DARK CAN WORSEN YOUR EYESIGHT

–FALSE– Good news to night readers! Although, if the lighting is too dim and you have to hold your book or tablet close to your face. This might strain your eyes, causing pain, soreness, headaches, and problems concentrating. These symptoms are usually temporary.

SPENDING MORE TIME OUTSIDE HELPS EYESIGHT

–TRUE– Some studies, mostly on youngsters, suggests that spending time outside may lower the chance of acquiring myopia. Bright sunlight may increase dopamine production in the retina, which may aid to prevent eye lengthening. However, the majority of these investigations have been carried out on animals.

TOO MUCH UV LIGHT CAN HARM EYESIGHT

–TRUE– Directly staring at the sun or excessive exposure to UV A and B rays in sunlight can cause irreparable retinal damage. It may also raise the likelihood of developing cataracts and eye cancer. UV-blocking sunglasses, glasses, or contacts can give protection.

TAKING A BREAK FROM WEARING GLASSES CAN PREVENT EYESIGHT FROM WORSENING

–FALSE– If you need glasses, it's important to wear them. Some people believe that not wearing glasses all the time will prevent their eyesight from deteriorating, but that's not true. Wearing your prescribed glasses as recommended is essential.

EVEN A LITTIE BLUE LIGHT FROM SCREENS IS DAMAGING TO EYES

–FALSE– While some studies suggests that prolonged exposure to blue light may induce retinal damage and visual issues, there is no good evidence that this occurs with typical screen use in humans. It has not been established that wearing blue light-blocking glasses improves eye health. Screens, on the other hand, can cause eye strain, dry eyes, and momentary blurred vision owing to decreased blinking.

SMOKING IS BAD FOR EYE HEALTH

–TRUE– Smoking is linked to age-related eye diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. The toxic chemicals in cigarettes can damage sensitive tissues in the eyes, including the retina, lens, and macula.

CARROTS ARE GOOD FOR YOUR EYES

–TRUE– While a carrot-rich diet will not provide perfect eyesight, research suggests that the nutrients present in carrots, such as beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and antioxidants, are good to eye health. A clinical trial, for example, discovered that supplements containing these nutrients helped reduce the progression of age-related macular degeneration. A high-antioxidant diet may be especially beneficial for patients with early macular degeneration.

WORSENING EYESIGHT IS AN INEVITABLE PART OF AGING

–FALSE– Most adult-onset eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma, can be avoided or treated if discovered early. Dr. Ehrlich highlights the need of not dismissing decreasing vision as a normal component of aging. Regular visits to an optometrist or ophthalmologist will offer you the best chance of avoiding or controlling these diseases.

Remember, taking care of your eyes is crucial for maintaining good vision and overall eye health!

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Original article: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/15/well/live/eyesight-vision-habits.html