By Roger M. Kaldawy, M.D.
Milford Franklin Eye Center

When it comes to eye health, myths and misconceptions abound, often leading people to adopt unnecessary or even harmful habits. From the belief that carrots significantly improve vision to the notion that sitting too close to the TV damages eyes, it’s time to set the record straight. Here, we debunk some of the most common myths in eye care and provide evidence-based advice to help you maintain optimal eye health.

Myth 1: Carrots Improve Your Vision

One of the most persistent myths is that eating carrots can vastly improve your vision. While carrots are indeed rich in vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, they do not possess magical vision-enhancing properties. Vitamin A helps maintain healthy vision, especially in low light conditions, but it won’t correct vision problems such as myopia or hyperopia. A balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables is more beneficial for overall eye health.

Myth 2: Reading in Dim Light Damages Your Eyes

Many of us were warned as children that reading in dim light would harm our eyes. However, this is not true. While reading in low light can cause eye strain and temporary discomfort, it does not cause any long-term damage to your eyes. To reduce eye strain, ensure that your reading area is well-lit and take regular breaks.

Myth 3: Sitting Too Close to the TV Will Ruin Your Eyes

Another common myth is that sitting too close to the television can damage your eyes. While it might cause temporary eye strain or fatigue, there is no evidence to suggest that it leads to permanent eye damage. Modern televisions emit less radiation than older models, making this concern even less relevant today. However, it’s always a good idea to maintain a comfortable viewing distance to avoid eye strain.

Myth 4: Wearing Glasses or Contacts Will Weaken Your Eyes

Some people believe that wearing glasses or contact lenses will cause their eyes to become dependent on them and weaken over time. This is not true. Corrective lenses improve vision by compensating for refractive errors, and they do not affect the physical health of your eyes. In fact, wearing the correct prescription can help prevent headaches and eye strain.

Myth 5: Blue Light from Screens Is Dangerous for Your Eyes

With the rise of digital device usage, many products have emerged claiming to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of blue light emitted by screens. However, the evidence supporting the effectiveness of blue light-blocking glasses is lacking. Several studies suggest that blue light-blocking glasses do not significantly improve symptoms of digital eye strain. The American Academy of Ophthalmology does not recommend any special blue light-blocking eyewear for computer use. Instead, focus on taking regular breaks, practicing the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), and adjusting your screen’s brightness to reduce eye strain.

Myth 6: Eye Exercises Can Cure Vision Problems

Various eye exercises are often touted as remedies for conditions like nearsightedness or astigmatism. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that eye exercises can correct these refractive errors. These conditions are caused by the shape of the eyeball or the cornea and cannot be altered through exercises. If you have vision problems, consult an eye care professional for appropriate corrective measures such as glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.

Myth 7: You Don’t Need an Eye Exam If You Have Perfect Vision

Even if you have perfect vision, regular eye exams are crucial. Eye exams can detect early signs of diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, which may not present symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Regular check-ups can help prevent vision loss and ensure early treatment if necessary.

Myth 8: Only Older Adults Need to Worry About Eye Health

While it is true that the risk of many eye diseases increases with age, eye health is important at every stage of life. Conditions such as digital eye strain, dry eye, and even cataracts can affect younger individuals. Protecting your eyes from UV rays, maintaining a healthy diet, and having regular eye exams are important habits for people of all ages.

Myth 9: Sunglasses Are Only for Sunny Days

Sunglasses are often viewed as a summer accessory, but they are important year-round. UV rays from the sun can damage your eyes even on cloudy days. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays can help protect your eyes from harmful effects such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Choose sunglasses that offer full protection and wear them whenever you are outdoors.

Myth 10: A Cataract Must Be ‘Ripe’ Before It Is Removed

False. With older surgical techniques, it was thought to be safer to remove a cataract when it was “ripe.” With today’s modern surgical procedures, a cataract can be removed whenever it begins to interfere with a person’s vision and activities.

Myth 11: Eyes Can Be Transplanted

False. Medical science has no way to transplant whole eyes. Our eyes are connected to the brain by the optic nerve. Because of this, the eye is never removed from its socket during surgery. The cornea, the clear front part of the eye, has been successfully transplanted for many years. Corneal transplant is sometimes confused with an eye transplant.

Myth 12: Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery Is the Same as Traditional Cataract Surgery

False. The five best-ranked eye hospitals in America offer bladeless laser-assisted cataract surgery. We do too. Bladeless cataract surgery aims for better precision, more safety, and excellent outcomes. The laser’s advanced precision and ability to correct astigmatism translate into a better likelihood of seeing well without glasses following cataract surgery. The same laser breaks up and softens the cloudy cataract, so less ultrasound is needed to remove it. Less ultrasound translates into less energy used inside the eye and clearer corneas, which helps produce better vision on the first day after surgery. This becomes even more critical if you have a weak cornea or a small eye with a dense cataract.

Dispelling eye care myths is crucial for maintaining good eye health. Instead of relying on hearsay, base your eye care practices on scientific evidence and professional advice. Regular eye exams, a balanced diet, proper eyewear, and good screen habits are the cornerstones of healthy vision. By understanding and debunking these common myths, you can take better care of your eyes and enjoy clear vision for years to come.

Our eye center and ophthalmologists have state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose and treat almost any eye problem. At Milford-Franklin Eye Center, we continue to serve our communities with state-of-the-art eye care, surgery locally in Milford, and glasses and contacts. With three offices in Franklin, Milford, and Millis, a dedicated surgery center in Milford, and a 50-staff practice ready to help, there is no need to travel hours for your eye care or surgery. We are the area’s leading eye care practice. Give us a call or book your appointment online.

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