Many people are exposed to myths about their eye health as children, and they carry unfounded notions about what is good or bad for their eyes into their adult years. The following list will help debunk some myths about what will damage your vision.
Watching Television in the Dark
Healthy eyes are very adaptable and will conform to the amount of light available by adjusting the diameter of the pupils. Eye Smart notes that playing video games or viewing TV in low light is unlikely to cause any actual damage to your eyes, but the high contrast between a bright screen and dark surroundings may cause eyestrain or fatigue that could lead to a headache. Try keeping at least some ambient light on and adjusting the screen’s brightness and contrast levels to match the room lighting.
Reading Close Up
Children are often reprimanded for holding their book too close while reading, but what the scolding parent doesn’t realize is that children can focus at a short distance much better than adults can. The Mayo Clinic notes that the close reading distance may actually be more comfortable for the child and will not cause any eye health problems in the future.
Computer Work
Do you spend much of your day in front of a laptop or desktop computer and worry that it’s ruining your eyesight? While it will not actually harm your eyes, it may make them drier because you tend to blink less while absorbed in your work onscreen, according to Eye Smart. Try sitting at least two feet back from the monitor, looking away from it regularly, and keeping some lubricating drops handy.
Relying on Glasses
Glasses help people with blurry vision see clearly; the Mayo Clinic notes that glasses cannot permanently improve or diminish eye health and natural vision. Wearing them will not alter your need for them.
Similarly, if you put on a pair of glasses with a different prescription than yours (or if you already have good vision in the first place) the glasses cannot damage your eyes or change them in any way. The glasses will likely give you a headache and be unpleasant to keep on for any length of time. If you don’t require glasses for vision correction but like the look of them, purchase nonprescription versions as an accessory. But don’t avoid wearing glasses if you actually do need them to see better. Your eyesight will not correct itself on its own.
Overusing Your Eyes
Older people often mistakenly assume that it is possible for them to “use up” their eyesight, so they try to preserve it by avoiding activities such as reading or knitting. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that, in truth, the eye is like a camera that can take a lifetime of pictures and won’t wear out from overuse. Your vision should be enjoyed and appreciated for as long as possible!
Talk to an Atlanta Eye Doctor
For questions or comments, or if you need to see an eye doctor in the metro Atlanta area, contact Woodhams Eye Clinic. Since 1983, we have been providing personalized vision correction surgery procedures that are safe, comfortable and effective in the Atlanta, Georgia area.