10 Major Myths in Ophthalmology and Eye Problems
Even though we are in the information age, false claims still spread by word of mouth just as they did in the past. Especially when it comes to health, including myths in ophthalmology. Do we really know how to care for our eyes? How much truth and how much myth is there in those phrases we have heard since we were children?
Below, we have compiled some of these false myths in ophthalmology
Even though we are in the information age, myths still spread by word of mouth just as they did in the past. Especially when it comes to health, including ophthalmology. Do we really know how to care for our eyes? How much truth is there in those phrases we have heard since we were children? Below, we have compiled some of these false myths:
1. Your eyesight wears out if you strain it too much
Spending many hours in front of the computer, reading for a long time, or doing detailed work that requires concentration does not make you lose vision. Your eyesight does not wear out from using it. What can happen is some eye strain due to overexertion, which can cause dryness or blurred vision. It is resolved by resting for a while and using specific lubricants.
2. Watching television damages your eyesight
How many times have we been told not to sit so close to the TV because we will go blind? It has been shown that sitting very close to the TV does not cause irreversible damage to the eyes. However, it may indicate myopia, so it would be advisable to see the ophthalmologist for a check-up.
3. Using mobile phones weakens the eyes
The myth has adapted to new technologies. Just as watching TV up close will not make us go blind, using mobile phones, tablets, or other screen devices will not cause a decrease in visual capacity either. Experts recommend moderate use to avoid eye strain, especially at an early age. Using devices for many hours over many years may contribute to the progression of myopia.
4. Eating carrots improves vision
There are no foods that help improve visual capacity. Carrots contain a lot of vitamin A, which can support eye health. It is found in many other foods such as asparagus or apricots. In any case, a healthy, balanced diet is essential for good overall health, including the health of our eyes.
5. It is good to clean your eyes with vinegar, lemon, or chamomile
This is a home remedy that should be ruled out, even if old popular wisdom says otherwise. Lemon and vinegar are very acidic and can damage the eyes. Chamomile is not clean, sterile water. To maintain hygiene in cases of conjunctivitis or to relieve irritation, it is recommended to use specific products such as saline solution or artificial tears.
6. If you go “cross-eyed”, you will stay that way
Playing at crossing your eyes will not make anyone become cross-eyed; at most, it may cause a slight headache. If a child has one eye deviated, it is not because they intentionally went “cross-eyed” . It is because they have strabismus and it must be treated by an ophthalmologist.
7. Wearing glasses makes you see worse without them later
In many cases, our patients are afraid to wear glasses because, after taking them off, they feel they see worse. The issue is that when they wear the lenses they see much better, and of course, when they take them off their vision is poor again. Wearing properly prescribed glasses does not harm vision; what happens is that the patient realizes they see much better with them. The same applies to contact lenses.
8. Reading in low light is harmful
The eyes are wonderfully designed to adapt to different light levels. In dim light, the pupils dilate and the entire eye adjusts to see properly. The effort may tire the eyes more quickly than if we were reading in a well-lit environment, but it will not cause a deterioration in visual capacity.
9. Rubbing your eyes or physical exertion can cause retinal detachment
This myth dates back to the early days of surgery to correct retinal detachment, when absolute rest was advised during recovery so that the retina could readapt to its anatomical position. Today, physical activity or friction on the eyelids is not considered a trigger for retinal detachment. However, excessive eye rubbing in young patients has been shown to be the most important risk factor for developing keratoconus.
10. Sunglasses are for summer
Protecting the eyes from UV rays is recommended all year round. And, of course, in the snow as well, as it creates a reflection that can end up harming our eyes without us even noticing.
As you can see, almost everything we had been taught about eye health was an unfounded myth. If you want to take care of your eyes, the most important thing is to have regular check-ups and follow your specialist’s recommendations.
García de Oteyza Ophthalmology Clinic in Barcelona. Contact us at info@garciadeoteyza.es or call 93 418 67 89
