UK / AGILITYPR.NEWS / September 19, 2023 /

"As we champion National Eye Health Week, it's more important than ever to separate fact from fiction when it comes to our vision," says Matthew Burford, Optometrist and Professional Services Manager at OutsideClinic. “Misconceptions about eye health can be harmful if they prevent people from seeking proper care.”

Myth 1: Blue light glasses protect me from eye strain.

Blue light glasses are designed to filter out the blue light emitted by digital screens. While there is evidence that blue light can interfere with circadian rhythms and sleep, there isn't solid scientific evidence showing that blue light from digital devices causes physical eye damage or strain.

Eye strain from screens is often due to prolonged focus on a close task, and the best solution is often to take regular breaks.

Myth 2: Eating carrots will improve my eyesight.

The myth that carrots improve eyesight can be traced back to World War II British propaganda, which claimed that their pilots' excellent night vision was due to a carrot-rich diet. This was a cover story for their advances in radar technology.

While carrots are indeed rich in vitamin A, a nutrient vital for eye health, they won't significantly improve your eyesight unless you are deficient in this nutrient.

For overall eye health, a balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables is more beneficial than focusing solely on carrots.

Myth 3: I only need an eye test every 10 years.

Prevention and early detection are key to maintaining optimal eye health which is why it is generally recommended by the NHS to get your eyes tested at least once every two years.

However, individual circumstances can vary, and some people may require more frequent eye tests.

Myth 4: Doing eye exercises will prevent me from needing glasses.

There is no substantial evidence that doing eye exercises (as an adult) will reduce the need to wear glasses.

Myth 5: A home eye test is not as thorough as an in-store eye test.

An at-home eye test is similar to an eye test you'd receive from the high street. The main difference is the test is carried out a using portable equipment.

An at-home eye test can sometimes offer a more personalised experience than a high street eye test, as it provides the Optician with insights into your everyday environment, thus allowing them to optimise your vision in the settings where you spend the most time.

Myth 6: Skin growing over the eye causes cataracts.

Cataracts are not caused by skin growing over the eye but rather by the clouding of the eye's natural lens. This lens sits behind the iris, the coloured part of the eye.

With age, proteins in the lens can clump together, creating the cloudiness associated with a cataract.

Myth 7: As an adult, sitting too close to the TV/screen can permanently damage my eyes.

There's no scientific evidence that sitting too close to the TV or screen can harm adult eyes.

Focussing on any one thing for a long period of time might lead to temporary eye fatigue or strain, but it does not damage your eyesight permanently.

Myth 8: Reading in dim light can permanently damage my eyes.

Reading in low light can cause eye strain and discomfort, but it won't cause permanent damage to your eyes.

Our eyes are designed to adjust to various light levels, and while they function best in well-lit conditions, they won't be damaged by temporarily working in lower light.

Myth 9: Eye diseases can't be inherited.

Many people believe that eye health is solely a product of lifestyle choices and environmental factors. The reality is that many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and even refractive errors like myopia, often have a hereditary component.

Family history is a strong indicator, and knowing yours can be a crucial step in early detection and treatment. While lifestyle choices like diet and screen time do contribute to eye health, your genes also play a vital role—another reason why regular eye check-ups are essential for everyone, regardless of lifestyle.

Myth 10: Wearing glasses or contacts will make my eyesight worse.

Glasses and contact lenses are tools that help correct your vision while you're wearing them. They don't change the physical structure or health of your eyes, so they won't make your eyesight worse over time.

Some people may have the perception that their vision gets worse after removing their glasses or contacts, but that's because they become accustomed to the clarity provided by their corrective lenses.

Myth 11: An eye test is painful.

Standard eye tests are not painful. They might involve bright lights, and in some cases, eye drops that cause temporary blurring, but they shouldn't cause any pain.

Myth 12: There is nothing that can be done to slow down the progression of sight loss.

Depending on the cause, progression of vision loss can often be slowed or even halted.

For example, in conditions like glaucoma, early detection and treatment can significantly slow the disease's progression. Regular eye examinations and follow-up care are crucial.

Myth 13: The only thing an eye test will tell me is whether I need glasses or not.

An eye examination is more than just a glasses or contact lens check-up, although this is part of it.

During an eye test, your Optician will check for various eye conditions. With glaucoma for example, you will often not have any early symptoms. This means that the only way to diagnose it is by having your optic nerve examined and having the pressure of your eye measured by an optician.

In addition, the eyes are the only place in the body where we can see veins and arteries without invasive procedures. Abnormalities in arteries and veins can tell us a lot about our overall health. This means that your optician may also be able to detect other systemic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.