In my career as an ophthalmologist, I have encountered countless patients who have delayed their treatment due to mistaken rumors, even spending a lot of money and time on ineffective "miracle cures". Among them, there was one patient whose experience was particularly impressive.
This patient, a retired teacher, has long believed in a popular health myth: "Watching TV for long periods of time permanently impairs vision". As a result, he strictly limits his TV viewing time and hardly even turns on the TV at home. However, his eyesight continued to deteriorate year by year, leaving him confused and frustrated. When he came to my office, through careful examination and communication, I found that the real cause of the problem was not the TV, but that he had neglected the importance of proper eye maintenance and regular check-ups.
Televisions and computers are not the "natural enemies" of eyesight
Is staring at a TV or computer screen for long periods of time really permanently damaging eyesight? It's a widespread misconception. In reality, the causes of vision loss are complex, and simply blaming it on screen time is inaccurate.
Scientific studies have shown that prolonged close activity can indeed cause eye strain, but that doesn't mean permanent vision damage. Eye strain is mainly due to tension in the eye muscles caused by prolonged concentration, which usually recovers after a period of rest. The key is to plan screen time and rest times wisely, following the "20-20-20" rule: every 20 minutes of work, look 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for at least 20 seconds, which can effectively reduce eye strain.
Glasses do not "weaken" the eyes
Another common misconception is that wearing glasses will make the eyes gradually "lazy", leading to further vision loss. However, there is no scientific basis for this claim. In fact, glasses are tools used to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism and help achieve clear vision.
When vision is problematic, it is very important to wear the right glasses in time. This not only improves vision, but also avoids overworking the eyes due to poor vision. A simple example is when people have difficulty seeing distant objects clearly because of their nearsightedness, the right glasses can help focus and reduce pressure on the eyes. On the other hand, if you don't wear glasses, you may increase the burden on your eyes because your eyes are in an inappropriate focused state for a long time.
Carrots are not sight keepers
Carrots are known as the patron saint of eye health, and many people believe that eating carrots can significantly improve vision. However, this claim oversimplifies the complexities of vision health. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, a nutrient that is indeed essential for eye health, especially when it comes to maintaining night vision and preventing dry eyes. But it does not directly improve already reduced vision or treat vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
In fact, excessive intake of vitamin A does not provide additional vision benefits, but can lead to a range of health problems. Therefore, the key is to eat a balanced diet to ensure that the body gets all the nutrients it needs. In addition to carrots, leafy greens, fish, and eggs are also good sources of vitamin A.
Eye strain ≠ Increased myopia
Another common misconception is that eye strain is equated with increased myopia. Eye strain is usually a temporary discomfort caused by prolonged screen staring or reading, manifested by dry eyes, blurred vision, or eye pain. This is a signal from the eye to rest, not a sign of worsening myopia. With simple rest and eye exercises, eye strain can be effectively relieved.
In fact, the development of myopia is more influenced by a combination of genetic factors and environmental factors such as working in close proximity for long periods of time. Regular eye exams and attention to changes in vision are key to monitoring myopia. If vision loss persists, an ophthalmologist should be consulted promptly, rather than relying solely on rest or dietary adjustments.
A common misconception in eye clinics is that eye drops can cure eye diseases in the long term. Many people believe that with the application of specific eye drops, various eye problems can be solved. But that's not the case. Eye drops are mainly used to relieve eye discomfort such as dryness or redness, but they do not treat the underlying cause of eye disease. For example, common antibiotic eye drops, while inhibiting bacterial infections, are powerless for eye diseases caused by viruses or allergies. Excessive or improper use of eye drops may even lead to side effects such as decreased eye resistance or drug dependence.
Regarding presbyopia, many people believe that it is inevitable with age. In fact, presbyopia is indeed associated with increasing age, but the speed and extent of its development is influenced by a variety of factors. Presbyopia is the result of a decrease in the elasticity of the lens, making it difficult for the eye to focus on near objects. Although presbyopia cannot be completely avoided, its progression can be effectively slowed by maintaining healthy lifestyle Xi such as regular eye exams, maintaining a balanced diet, and moderate eye exercises. For example, regular eye exercises that promote blood circulation in the eye area can relieve eye fatigue and reduce the effects of presbyopia.