There's a ton of health advice available online, on TV, and even from friends and family. Unfortunately, along with the good, comes the bad. A lot of incorrect information is out there, and sometimes, it's difficult to tell the difference between fact and fiction, and eye health myths are no exception.
We’ve put together a list of some common eye myths and let you know whether they are fact or fiction!
Myth 1:
Sitting too close to the TV can hurt your eyes.
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This notion has been around for almost as long as the first TV. But fear not, while spending too much time staring at a TV screen can tire the eyes, there's no evidence to show that it causes permanent damage.
While sitting too close to the TV may not permanently damage your vision, it can be a sign that the person is nearsighted and may need glasses.
As with every other activity, moderation is the key. If your eyes start to burn or feel strained, close your eyes for a couple of minutes to rest them. If that doesn't work, turn off the TV and give your eyes a longer break.
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Myth 2:
Sunglasses are the best way to protect your eyes from the sun.
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Don't assume that wearing dark sunglasses will keep your eyes safe. UV blocking agents are what help block the sun's harmful rays and are what you'll need on your lenses to protect your eyes from the sun. Clear prescription lenses with UV blocking agents can protect your eyes as well as sunglasses.
Check the UV rating before purchasing a pair of sunglasses. Some manufacturer’s labels say, “UV absorption up to 400nm”, this is the same thing as 100% UV absorption.
While the dark shading in sunglasses helps cut down on the sun's glare, to adequately protect your eyes, always choose lenses with proper UV protection.
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Myth 3:
Reading in dim light is harmful to your eyes.
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Reading in dim light does not harm your eyes, but having good lighting can make it easier to see what you’re reading. Trying to read in dim light can tire your eyes out more quickly and cause eye strain. |
Myth 4:
Wearing the wrong prescription can damage your eyes.
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Who hasn't tried on someone else's glasses and felt dizzy and disoriented? The wrong prescription may feel weird, and can even give you a headache if you wear them very long, but it won't damage your eyes.
If your glasses have an old prescription, you might start to experience some eye strain. To see your best, don't wear anyone else's glasses. And most importantly, get regular eye exams so you always have the prescription that's right for you.
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Myth 5:
As long as you can see well, you don't really need a vision exam.
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This really is a myth! There's a lot more to an eye exam than just checking for vision correction needs. During a vision exam, your VSP® network doctor will check your overall eye health, eye doctors can detect early signs of more than 270 health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Eye exams are an important part of taking care of your overall health, so make sure to see your eye doctor every year.
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Have More Questions? See Your Eye Doctor
There are many more myths about eyes and vision out there, and the information found online can be confusing. Make sure you bring any questions you have to your eye doctor so they can help you see your best!
Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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