There are many myths surrounding our eyes and vision that have been around for decades.
From the idea that carrots improve eyesight, to the belief that reading in dim light ruins eyesight, there are a number of misconceptions that have been perpetuated over the years. But how many of these myths are actually true? In this article, we’ll take a look at the top five myths about eyes and set the record straight.
Myth #1: Sitting too close to the TV will ruin your eyesight
As children, many of us were told by our parents that sitting too close to the TV would ruin our eyesight. But is there any truth to this myth? The answer is no.
While sitting too close to the TV may cause eye strain and headaches, it does not actually damage your eyes. In fact, most modern televisions emit very low levels of radiation, so there’s no need to worry about radiation exposure either.
Myth #2: Reading in dim light will ruin your eyesight
Reading in dim light might make your eyes feel tired and strained, but it won’t cause any permanent damage. Our eyes are incredibly adaptable, and they can adjust to different levels of light.
If you find yourself in a dimly lit room and need to read, just make sure you’re not straining your eyes too much. Take frequent breaks, and perhaps consider using a book light or lamp to make the reading easier.
Myth #3: Eating carrots will improve your eyesight
While it is true that carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for good eye health, they won’t improve your vision if you already have healthy eyes.
However, if you have a vitamin A deficiency (which is rare in the developed world), eating carrots may help improve your vision. It’s important to note that there are other foods that are also rich in vitamin A, including sweet potatoes, spinach, and liver.
Myth #4: Staring at a computer screen for too long will ruin your eyesight
While staring at a computer screen for long periods of time can cause eye strain, it won’t actually damage your eyes. The blue light emitted by computer screens can cause fatigue and other discomforts, but it does not damage the eyes.
However, if you work on a computer for long periods of time, it’s a good idea to take frequent breaks and look away from the screen to rest your eyes.
Myth #5: If you wear glasses or contacts, your eyes will become dependent on them
There’s no evidence to support the idea that wearing glasses or contacts will cause your eyes to become dependent on them.
While it is true that your eyes may become more accustomed to the correction provided by glasses or contacts, this is not the same as dependence. In fact, for many people with vision problems, glasses or contacts are essential for daily life.
Conclusion
While there are many myths surrounding our eyes and vision, most of them are just that – myths.
So the next time you hear someone say that reading in dim light will ruin your eyesight or that carrots can improve your vision, you can set the record straight.