Ipoh Echo’s EYE HEALTH series continues with Consultant Eye Surgeon Dr S.S. GILL talking to us about some myths.
There are many myths that surround the eyes. You may not be blessed with perfect vision but you can take your blinkers off when it comes to eye-care. Here are some common myths about eye-care:
NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT VISION LOSS IN OLD AGE
If you experience any eye symptoms such as blurred vision, eye pain or floaters, please see a doctor. There are many causes of eyesight loss or blurring vision and most of them can be treated especially so if they are detected early enough. So, if you have blurred vision always seek professional help early. Eye problems are thankfully treatable most of the time. Do not live with poor vision without seeking appropriate help.
IF YOU WEAR GLASSES, YOU GET DEPENDENT ON THEM
When you are prescribed a pair of spectacles to correct your vision because you have blurred vision, excessive use does not weaken your eyes. Wearing these prescription glasses allows you to see clearly and puts less strain on your eyes. It does not make you get dependant on the spectacles but rather, it just allows you to enjoy good vision.
EATING CARROTS IMPROVES VISION
Will eating carrots all day long give you bionic eyes? Actually, it’s the overall DIET that’s important. Although carrots are foods that are high in Vitamin A and does play a role in maintaining eye health, having an excess of the vitamin does not enhance vision further. Foods like spinach, broccoli and dark green leafy vegetables can help the eyes. So, you do not have to be eating carrots like a rabbit.
READING IN DIM LIGHT IS BAD FOR YOU
Reading in dim light does not cause permanent harm to your vision but it can cause eye fatigue that can affect you significantly. It is best to avoid reading under dim light to avoid unnecessary eye fatigue. Going through the day results in enough fatigue in itself, so do the right thing in reading under adequate lighting.
WORKING AT A COMPUTER DAMAGES YOUR EYES
When someone works on a computer, he or she tends to blink less times in one minute. This causes discomfort especially when you work with a computer for long. It is because the eye lubrication gets compromised making the eyes less moist. The person’s eyes ends up feeling dry, gritty and sometimes with a burning sensation. Again, the key is to take a regular break in between computer work, applying the 20-20-20 rule. Applying moistening or lubricating eye drops does help. Avoid eye drops with antihistamines in them! Reducing the brightness of your monitor to a comfortable level is also helpful.
BAD EYESIGHT FOLK SHOULDN’T WEAR OUT THEIR EYES BY DOING DETAILED WORK
If you have weak eyes, doing fine-print reading does not make them worse. The eye is not a muscle. The eye is like a camera. Therefore, it will not wear out just because you use it to take photographs that have fine detail.
