20 Common Eye Myths Debunked By an Eye Surgeon

Although age increases your risk of serious eye disease and other eye problems, losing your eyesight does not need not go hand in hand with growing older. There are simple practical steps you can take to protect against or delay impairment to your eyesight. It is estimated that nearly 50% of all blindness can be avoided or treated.

As you grow older, regular eye tests form the bedrock of good eye health. People who have a family history of eye disease or other risk factors should have eye tests more often. Don't wait until your eyesight deteriorates before you have an eye test. One eye can often compensate for the other while an eye condition progresses. Eye tests can often detect eye condition in the early stages.

The origin of this myth can be traced back to the 1960s when General Electric (GE) briefly produced some colour television sets that emitted excessive radiation levels. Although this issue was quickly resolved, the myth persisted.
Let's discuss the reasons why sitting close to the TV does not damage your eyes:

• No harmful radiation: Modern televisions, including LED, LCD, and OLED screens, do not emit dangerous levels of radiation that can cause damage to the eyes. They are designed to meet strict safety standards and guidelines to ensure they do not pose any risk to viewers.
• Eye strain and temporary discomfort: Sitting close to the TV can cause eye strain, which is the discomfort experienced when the eyes become tired after focusing on a screen for an extended period. Eye strain can lead to Dry Eyes, irritation, Blurry Vision, or headaches. However, these symptoms are temporary and usually resolve once you take a break or change focus. Eye strain does not cause any permanent damage to the eyes.
• Accommodative and convergence stress: When you sit close to a screen, your eyes must converge (turn inwards) and accommodate (change focus) to maintain a clear image. This process can cause stress on the eye muscles, which can be uncomfortable but does not result in any long-term damage to the eyes.
• Children's developing vision: Young children have more flexible eye muscles, allowing them to focus on objects at close distances without much difficulty. Although it is a common belief that sitting too close to the TV may lead to nearsightedness (myopia) in children, research has shown that genetics and other factors, such as the lack of outdoor activities, play a more significant role in the development of myopia.

While it is true that carrots contain important nutrients that support overall eye health, they cannot drastically improve eyesight or cure vision problems.
The idea that carrots can improve vision is based on the fact that they are a rich source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for overall eye health and plays a crucial role in maintaining good vision. It contributes to the formation of the light-sensitive photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) in the retina and the production of the pigment rhodopsin, which is essential for low-light vision.
A vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness. In this condition, an individual has difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. In such cases, increasing the intake of foods rich in vitamin A, like carrots, can help alleviate the symptoms. However, this only applies to individuals who have a vitamin A deficiency. Consuming more carrots or other vitamin A-rich foods for those with normal vitamin A levels will not significantly improve their vision.
It is important to note that a well-balanced diet, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, can support overall eye health and help prevent age-related eye diseases such as Age-related Macular Degeneration and Cataracts. Carrots and other colourful vegetables like spinach, kale, and peppers are beneficial for maintaining good eye health due to their rich antioxidant content.

Corrective eyewear, such as glasses and Contact Lenses, is designed to help individuals with refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and Astigmatism see more clearly by compensating for the irregularities in the shape of the eye, cornea, or lens.
The misconception that wearing glasses or contact lenses can weaken your eyes may stem from the perception that people become more reliant on them over time. In reality, this perceived reliance is usually a result of the natural progression of refractive errors or age-related changes in the eyes rather than the corrective eyewear itself.
Wearing glasses or contact lenses does not change the eye's structure or the refractive error's underlying cause. When you use corrective eyewear, it corrects your vision. It lets you see more clearly, making you aware of the contrast between your uncorrected and corrected vision. As a result, you may feel that your vision has become more dependent on your glasses or contact lenses, but this is due to increased awareness of your vision improvement rather than any weakening of your eyes.

It is important to note that excessively or aggressively rubbing your eyes can lead to some eye issues and complications, especially if done over an extended period or if your hands are not clean.
Occasionally rubbing your eyes gently is harmless and may temporarily relieve itching or discomfort. Nonetheless, persistent or forceful eye rubbing can cause several problems, including:

• Keratoconus: Excessive eye rubbing can, in rare cases, contribute to the development or progression of keratoconus, a condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted vision.
• Infections: Rubbing your eyes with unclean hands can introduce bacteria or viruses, increasing the risk of infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye).
• Corneal abrasions: Aggressive rubbing can scratch the cornea, causing discomfort, redness, and light sensitivity.
• Dark Circles under your eyes and wrinkles: Excessive eye rubbing can cause the skin around the eyes to darken or contribute to the formation of wrinkles due to the stretching and tugging of the delicate skin.
• Intraocular pressure increase: Forceful eye rubbing can temporarily elevate intraocular pressure, which, over time, could potentially increase the risk of developing Glaucoma, particularly in predisposed individuals.
  Be mindful of how often and how hard you rub your eyes. If you experience persistent itching or discomfort, consulting an eye care professional is better than resorting to frequent eye rubbing. They can determine the underlying cause of the pain and provide appropriate treatment or recommendations.

This statement is a fact - not a myth.
Directly staring at the sun can cause a condition called solar retinopathy, which is damage to the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. The sun emits intense Ultraviolet (UV) Light, which can harm the retinal cells when it is focused on the retina for an extended period.
The damage from solar retinopathy can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity and duration of the exposure. Symptoms of solar retinopathy may include blurry vision, a blind spot in the centre of your visual field, light sensitivity, or distorted vision. In extreme cases, significant damage can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness.
It is important to note that the risk of solar retinopathy increases significantly during solar eclipses. People may be tempted to look at the partially obscured sun without appropriate eye protection. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays during an eclipse. You should use certified solar eclipse glasses or viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard to observe a solar eclipse safely.

While not everyone will experience significant vision changes as they age, it is common for individuals to develop age-related vision issues. Ageing can affect various structures within the eye, leading to decreased visual function. Regular eye examinations, especially as you age, are important to detect and address age-related vision changes and conditions early.
Some common age-related vision changes and conditions include:

• Presbyopia: is a normal age-related condition that occurs when the eye's lens loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close-up objects. Presbyopia typically affects individuals over 40 and requires reading glasses or multifocal lenses for correction.
• Cataracts: The eye's natural lens may become cloudy over time, leading to the development of cataracts. Cataracts cause blurred vision, glare, and a decline in contrast sensitivity. While they can affect individuals of any age, cataracts are more common in older adults. Cataract surgery can effectively treat this condition.
• Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): This progressive eye disease affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. AMD can cause gradual central vision loss and can be classified as dry or wet AMD. While there is no cure for AMD, early detection and certain treatments can help slow its progression.
• Glaucoma: This group of eye diseases is characterised by damage to the optic nerve, often resulting from increased intraocular pressure. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to vision loss and even blindness. While glaucoma can affect individuals of any age, the risk increases as you age.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: This eye complication can develop in individuals with diabetes, and the risk increases with the duration of the disease. Diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss due to damage to the blood vessels in the retina.

While it is essential to wear sunglasses on bright, sunny days to protect your eyes from harmful Ultraviolet (UV) Light, it is also important to wear them in other conditions, as Ultraviolet (UV) Light can still be present even on cloudy or overcast days.
Ultraviolet (UV) Light from the sun can damage your eyes, increasing the risk of Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, and other eye conditions. Wearing sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection is crucial in shielding your eyes from these harmful rays.
Up to 80% of UV radiation can penetrate the cloud cover and reach the ground on cloudy or overcast days. Snow, water, and sand can also reflect and intensify UV radiation, increasing the need for sunglasses even in less sunny conditions.
In addition, wearing sunglasses in various weather conditions can help protect your eyes from other elements, such as wind, dust, and debris. Polarised sunglasses can also improve visual comfort by reducing glare, which can be especially helpful while driving or participating in outdoor activities.

This is an oversimplification, but there is some truth to it. Short-sightedness, or myopia, is a refractive error where close objects appear clear, but distant objects appear blurry. Research has shown a correlation between the time children spend outdoors and the development or progression of myopia.
Although the exact cause of myopia is not fully understood, it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studies have suggested that spending more time outdoors can protect against myopia, reducing the risk of its onset or slowing its progression in children. The exact mechanism behind this is not completely clear. Still, it is thought to be related to exposure to natural light and the practice of focusing on distant objects while outdoors.
It is essential to note that spending time indoors alone does not directly cause myopia. However, children who spend more time indoors are often involved in near-work activities, such as reading, using computers, or playing video games, which may contribute to myopia development. On the other hand, staying indoors typically means less exposure to natural light and less time spent focusing on distant objects.
It is crucial to encourage children to spend more time outdoors and engage in various activities, including focusing on distant objects, to help maintain their eye health and possibly reduce the risk of myopia. However, children who stay indoors are not guaranteed to develop short-sightedness.

This is a fact, depending on the circumstances surrounding the application, maintenance, and removal of the eyelash extensions.
Eyelash extensions involve attaching synthetic or natural hair fibres to your natural eyelashes using a special adhesive to create a longer and fuller appearance. If applied, maintained, and removed correctly by a trained and skilled professional, eyelash extensions may pose minimal risk to your natural lashes and eyes. However, certain factors and makeup can contribute to damage:

• Poor application: If the extensions are not applied correctly, they can cause tension on your natural lashes, leading to breakage or even permanent damage to the hair follicle, which may result in the inability to grow new lashes in the affected area.
• Heavy extensions: Using extensions that are too heavy or long can put extra strain on your natural lashes, causing them to weaken, break, or fall out.
• Allergic reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to the adhesive used to attach the extensions, resulting in itching, redness, and swelling around the eyes. This can lead to more serious eye infections or complications in severe cases.
• Poor maintenance & removal: Incorrect or aggressive removal of extensions can cause damage to your natural lashes or even injure your eyes. It is crucial to follow the professional's aftercare instructions and have the extensions removed properly.
• Infections: Unsanitary conditions or tools during the application process can introduce bacteria or fungi, increasing the risk of infections like conjunctivitis or eyelid inflammation (Blepharitis).

This is not entirely accurate. While it is true that wearing Contact Lenses can exacerbate dry eye symptoms in some individuals, it doesn't mean that people with dry eyes must altogether avoid wearing them. The compatibility of contact lenses with Dry Eyes depends on the severity of the condition, the type of contact lenses, and proper eye care practices.
Several contact lens options are designed to improve comfort and reduce dryness for individuals with mild to moderate Dry Eye symptoms. For example, soft Contact Lenses made from silicone hydrogel materials allow more oxygen to reach the cornea and retain moisture better than traditional hydrogel lenses. Daily disposable Contact Lenses can also be a good option for those with Dry Eyes, as they reduce the chance of protein and lipid deposits that can cause discomfort.
Additionally, using preservative-free, lubricating eye drops and sprays specifically formulated for Contact Lens wearers can help alleviate dry eye symptoms while wearing lenses. It is crucial to follow your eye specialist's recommendations regarding the type of Contact Lenses, proper lens care, and eye drops best suited for your eyes and dry eye condition.
In some cases, if Dry Eyes are severe or do not improve with the appropriate Contact Lenses and Eye Drops, it may be necessary to avoid wearing Contact Lenses and consider glasses or corrective Laser Eye Surgery.