Will sitting too close to the TV make you go blind? Is corrective eyewear actually bad for your vision? In today’s post, Southwest Vision Center’s expert optometrist in Granger, IN, reveals the truth behind five common eye-related misconceptions.
Myth 1: Your Family History Does Not Affect Your Visual Health
Heredity, in fact, plays a major role in determining your likelihood of developing certain vision problems. If any of your relatives are nearsighted, for example, you are more likely to be nearsighted as well. We recommend having regular eye exams to detect any vision errors so we can provide prompt treatment.
Myth 2: Using Your Digital Devices at Close-Range Is Harmful to Your Eyes
There is no evidence that sitting too close to the TV or your computer can actually harm your eyes. That said, if you find yourself frequently engaging in this habit, it could indicate a pre-existing refractive error, like nearsightedness. We advise seeing our eye doctors in Granger, IN, so we can perform refraction and retinoscopy exams to evaluate your visual acuity. We also suggest blinking your eyes regularly and resting them regularly when looking at electronic devices.
Myth 3: Reading in Low Light Can Hurt Your Vision
Your retina contains photoreceptors, also known as rods, which allow you to see clearly in dimmed places. This means your eyes have the natural capacity to read in low-light places. While reading in the dark may not be the most comfortable activity, it is completely harmless.
Myth 4: Looking Directly at the Sun Will Not Damage Your Eyesight
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause sunburns and structural changes in your eyes. To protect yourself from these harmful rays, we recommend wearing sunglasses that offer UV protection whenever you spend time outside.
Myth 5: Wearing Corrective Eyewear Will Worsen Your Vision
Eyeglasses or contact lenses in Three Rivers, MI, are prescribed to correct your impaired vision; they will not negatively impact it. We recommend wearing them regularly to help you see better and improve your quality of life.
If you need any further clarifications on vision myths, call us at (269) 241-0031 (Edwardsburg), (269) 241-0032 (Three Rivers), or (269) 241-0033 (Buchanan). We look forward to helping you experience enhanced visual clarity.