More BrandsWe’ve all heard the old wives’ tales that carrots are good for your eyes and watching too much TV will make your eyes square. But how do you separate fact from fiction when it comes to looking after your eye health?
Myth 1: Reading in poor light is bad for your eyes
Although it can lead to eye strain, making them tire quicker, there is no evidence to suggest that reading in dim light will cause any long-term damage to your eyes. You should, however, choose to read in a well-lit room.
Myth 2: Darker sunglasses give eyes more protection
Darker glasses are better for those whose eyes are sensitive to light but they may not necessarily offer greater defence against the harmful rays of the sun. More important are sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.
Myth 3: Too long in front of a computer screen will affect your prescription
While an office job that requires you to stare at a monitor all day will not alter what corrective eyewear you need, it can lead to eye strain. This, in turn, can lead to headaches, tiredness and neck strain.
Like many electronic devices, computer screens emit what is called “blue light”, which can lead to macular degeneration and disrupt sleep. Eyewear with UV protection can help but also remember to give your eyes a rest from the screen – at least a 20 second break every 20 minutes.
Myth 4: If your vision is good, you don’t need a yearly eye exam
Eye exams aren’t just to monitor any changes to your vision. They can also detect early signs of a number of health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. An eye exam can also identify conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, which might not otherwise have obvious symptoms.
