We’ve had many superstitious beliefs...myths regarding our eyes…
especially while growing up.
…From our parents. friends or even the society.
And what’s worse, some of us have held on tightly to those beliefs.
probably passed it on to our kids.
Well today I hope to open our eyes to some of these myths on whether they be true or not
Let’s go
1. Looking Directly at the Sun Causes Blindness
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I know…this sounds logical.
But calm down and ask yourself this: "Can I even look directly at the sun for up to 2 seconds?"
If you're a normal human being, your answer should be a straight No.
no one can look directly at the sun long enough to cause any permanent damage to your eyesight. Your eyelids won't let you.
Don't get me wrong though
Looking directly at the sun isn’t healthy either.
Prolonged exposure of the eyes to direct sunlight can cause an eye condition called solar retinopathy - The damaging of the retina from the sun's ultraviolet rays, which leads to distorted vision, or having blind spots.
And an exposure long enough to cause this level of damage is possible only during a solar eclipse. Or welding without protective gear
Looking directly at the sun DOES NOT cause blindness. But it is harmful to the eyes. Make no mistake about this
2. Reading in Low Light Damages Your Eyesight
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Many of you may have been warned by your parents that reading in low light will damage our eyesight.
They're right. But not scientifically correct
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), reading in low light only strains the eye, but it will not damage your eyesight.
Just as we learnt yesterday, the eye can adapt to changes in light levels.
However, please note that it is not encouraged to use a dim light.
Like I said earlier…it will strain your eyes, and you won’t be able to read properly with strained eyes
Unless the situation calls for it, use a brighter light.
3. Wearing Glasses Weakens Your Eyes
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Another common belief is that wearing glasses will weaken your eyes over time. This is not true.
They do not weaken the eyes but rather improve your vision.
In fact, wearing corrective lenses can actually help prevent eye strain and fatigue, which often lead to headaches and other discomforts.
If you have an eye condition that needs you to use glasses, please do not be afraid to use them. They’re for your own good!
4. Eating Carrots Improves Existing Eyesight
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Carrots are often referred as a magic food for improving eyesight.
In fact, the belief about carrots and eyesight originated from World War II, when the British government spread a rumor that eating carrots could help people see better during blackouts…lol
Eating carrots does provide essential nutrients like vitamin A, which supports the health of the retina and cornea. However, it will not improve existing eyesight.
If your vision is bad, no amount of carrot will change that.
It is important to know that you won’t be doing yourself any good if you attempt either to read with a dim light or look directly at the sun simply because you now know they are not as dangerous as you were made to believe.
Your eyes are fragile and important. You need them to carry out your daily activities. So please, do not partake in anything that will put them at risk.
That’s a wrap fam..feel free to share other false beliefs about the eye that you had while growing up
Benny. Your Digital Eye Care Giver