Eye Health: Debunking Everyday Misconceptions

Haziel Rynjah¹, M. Optom,
K. Gundeep Singha², B. Optom

¹M. Optom, Assistant Professor, Royal Global University, Guwahati, India

²B. Optom, Intern, Purbanchal Educational Welfare Society (PEWS), Guwahati, India

 

Common Myths and Facts About Eye Care

In this advancement of age, we still hear myths regarding our eye care, which needs to be separated out by giving the facts. The eye is one of the topics where these micro misconceptions revolve, and often people take such myths as advice. Do not let these myths about eye care get in the way of getting good eye care. ⁽¹⁾

Below presented are a few common myths, along with the facts to guide you towards healthier eye habits.

Figure 1: : Eye Care Myths and Facts Infographic

Vision and Lifestyle Myths

1. Reading in a dim light will permanently damage your eyes

It is a widely spread myth. However, eyestrain may occur due to the insufficient lighting conditions, but there will be no permanent impact on the eyes. ⁽²⁾

Fact: Insufficient lighting conditions cause a lack of contrast, due to which eye muscles work harder to focus on the words. This leads to tired or strained eyes. ⁽²⁾

2. Watching TV or using computers leads to damaged eyes

Looking continuously at the screen might cause eye strain or dry eye, but it will not permanently harm the eyes. ⁽³⁾

Fact: Poor blink rate and lack of hydration while using a screen lead to eye strain or dry eye conditions. ⁽²⁾

3. Eye exercises can improve overall vision

Certain eye exercises can improve the binocular conditions of the eye, but they do not correct refractive errors. ^(4,5)

Fact: Eye exercises work on the muscles of the eye, but they do not deal with the physical or structural conditions of the eye. ⁽⁵⁾

Refractive Error and Glasses Myths

4. Strongly prescribed glasses can damage the eye permanently

High-prescription glasses can cause headache, nausea and eyestrain, but they will not harm the eyes permanently. ^(4,5)

Fact: The role of the glasses is to refract the incoming light rays to the eye. They do not create any physiological changes in the eyes. ⁽⁵⁾

5. Wearing eyeglasses and contact lenses lessens the eye power

Eyeglasses and contact lenses are used to treat refractive conditions such as myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism. ⁽⁶⁾

Fact: It is important to provide the optical correction at the right time to minimise vision loss. ^(5,6)

Nutrition and Eye Health Myths

6. Carrots alone can improve eyesight

Carrots are often touted as a vision booster, thanks to their beta-carotene content. ⁽⁷⁾

Fact: A balanced diet, including leafy greens, fruits, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is far more beneficial for eye health. ⁽⁷⁾

Eye Disease and Treatment Myths

7. Children will outgrow their refractive errors

It is a common misconception that children will simply outgrow their refractive errors. Delaying corrections can be harmful. ⁽⁸⁾

Fact: Untreated vision problems can negatively impact a child’s academic performance and, in some cases, lead to amblyopia. ⁽⁸⁾

8. Squint resolves on its own

Squinting, or crossed eyes, is sometimes viewed as a temporary issue by parents. ⁽⁶⁾

Fact: Treatment options include glasses, vision therapy, patching, or even surgery. Early intervention is key to preserving binocular vision. ^(6,8)

9. Using someone else’s glasses temporarily is safe

Myth	Explanation	Fact
Using someone else’s glasses temporarily is safe	Borrowing someone else’s glasses can cause headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, or eye strain because the power does not match your eyes. (9)	The reality is that incorrect prescriptions impact clarity, binocular coordination and visual comfort, even if used briefly. (8,9)

10. Cataracts need to be fully developed before surgery

This is a misconception that modern eye care has largely dispelled. ⁽⁹⁾

Fact: Cataract surgery can be done when vision problems start to interfere with everyday life. ⁽¹⁰⁾

Clinical Myths (Even Among Eye-Care Practitioners)

11. Under-correction slows myopic progression

Some practitioners still believe that giving a slightly weaker prescription helps slow down the progression of myopia in children. ⁽⁸⁾

Fact: Research shows that under-correction can actually increase myopic progression because blurred retinal images stimulate further elongation of the eye. Full correction or evidence-based myopia-control methods such as low-dose atropine, multifocal lenses, and orthokeratology are recommended. ⁽⁸⁾

Conclusion

Understanding the facts behind the myths empowers us to make better decisions for the required procedures for better eye health. Hence, before taking any steps, it is essential to consult your eye health professional for the appropriate treatment procedure. ⁽¹¹⁾ This blog aims to deliver awareness with facts towards the myths that are circulating among us.

 

References

1. Oguego N, Okoye OI, Okoye O, Uche N, Aghaji A, Maduka-Okafor F, Onyekonwu C, Ezegwui I, Umeh R. Eye health myths, misconceptions and facts: results of a cross-sectional survey among Nigerian school children. Family Medicine & Primary Care Review. 2018(2):144-8.
2. Giannaccare G, Scorcia V. False myths versus medical facts: Ten common misconceptions related to dry eye disease. Biomedicines. 2020 Jun 24;8(6):172.
3. Abel R. The Eye Care Revolution: Prevent And Reverse Common Vision Problems, Revised And Updated. Kensington Books; 2014 Apr 29.
4. Dhote SA. Eye exercises—An eyesight rejuvenation therapy. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2015 Apr 2;5(990):6.
5. Kuhn HS. Eyes: Facts and Fallacies. American Association of Industrial Nurses Journal. 1953 Nov;5(9):4-7.
6. Walsh K, Jones L, Moody K. Addressing common myths and misconceptions in soft contact lens practice. Clinical and Experimental Optometry. 2022 Jul 4;105(5):459-73.
7. Byun SS, Spaide RF. Carrots, Blueberries, and Spinach—Vision Superfoods. Retina. 2021 May 1;41(5):895-7.
8. Gil‐Gouveia R, Martins IP. Headaches associated with refractive errors: myth or reality? Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain. 2002 Apr;42(4):256-62.
9. Traquair HM. Popular Misconceptions in Connection with the Eyes. Edinburgh Medical Journal. 1942 Mar;49(3):179.
10. Du K, Guan H, Zhang Y, Ding Y, Wang D. Knowledge of cataracts and eye care utilization among adults aged 50 and above in rural Western China. Frontiers in Public Health. 2022 Nov 15;10:1034314.
11. Rocha JC, Gondim EL, Braga FC, Dantas FJ, Temporini ER, Kara-José N. Ocular health myths among a hospital staff. Ophthalmic Epidemiology. 1997 Jan 1;4(2):10.