At Optoclinix Vision Clinic, we consider it very important to dispel myths about eye and vision health, so that our patients can focus on what’s really important when it comes to taking care of their eyes.
We want our patients to be as educated as possible about their eye health.
That’s why we make sure to carefully explain each procedure we perform, and educate our patients as thoroughly as possible about the effects of certain behaviours and environments on the eyes.
To that end, today we’d like to share, and debunk, 3 of the most common vision myths that people ask about when they visit our clinic.
Myth # 1: Sitting close to the TV or computer screen damages your eyes.
Sitting too close to the television or computer screen will not cause any permanent damage to your eyes. There are two important caveats to this fact, though.
First, sitting too close to your screen for extended periods of time could cause digital eye strain, so be sure to take regular breaks.
Secondly, if you find yourself sitting very close, leaning in, or squinting to see your screen, you should probably pay us a visit - you might need a new prescription!
Myth #2: Reading in dim light can damage your vision.
Reading in dim light won’t damage your vision. However, it could cause dry eye, temporary blurred vision, and even neck or back pain, brought on by straining to see in insufficient light.
All of these are inconvenient and uncomfortable, if nothing else, so do yourself a favor and turn on a lamp!
Myth #3: Presbyopia (Old Age Sight) is a natural and unavoidable part of aging.
Most people believe that, as you age, your eyes inevitably weaken, and your vision begins to dim. As a society, we’ve accepted this as an unavoidable fact of growing old.
In actual fact, the quality of your eyesight is more related to how you use your eyes, and not to the amount of time you’ve been using them.
Straining and staring are the two of the most common reasons that eyesight begins to blur as we age; after years of dysfunctional eye straining patterns, many people develop poor vision as they age.
For some people, presbyopia can be avoided, delayed or reversed, by regularly performing eye exercises, and generally avoiding strain.