Common eye related myths …
# keniaeye # false beliefs # eye myths
1) Specs are due to vitamin A deficiency.
Getting spectacle numbers is no way related to vitamin A deficiency, spectacle numbers are related to the shape of the eye the length, curvature and refractive index of the eye. Genetics can play a part in spectacle numbers but giving vitamin A is not going to reverse the spectacle numbers nor stop it from increasing. Excessive vitamin A beyond a limit is harmful to the body.
2) Reading in dim light permanently damages the eye... is it true ???
Dim light causes lot of eye strain and fatigue but does not cause permanent eye damage. Reading in proper light is important but excessive light causes glare. Adequate ambient lighting which without creating shadows on the reading material is recommended.
3) Computers and television screens emit bad rays harmful to the eyes... is it true ???
It’s a myth that the computers and television emit harmful rays which are harmful to the eyes. Watching television or screens for a long time causes dry eyes so adequate measures have to be taken. Bad posture and close watching can cause eye strain and fatigue and in long run headache and eye ache. Computers and laptops should be used at a arms length and ideally kept just below eye level. Television screens should be at least 6 feet away with good room lighting. Adjusting the contrast and brightness on the screen such that it’s without strain to the eyes is important.
4) Eye excercise strengthen the eye and improve eyesight…
A normal eye does not require any eye excercise unless the person has convergence muscle weakness or lazy eye for which special eye excercise are recommended to improve the eye weakness and improve vision in lazy eye with patching one eye and exercising.
Annual eyecheck up and advise from the eye doctor should be followed. Unnecessary false beliefs will not help solving the eye problem and false beliefs will sometimes make a person follow wrong practises which are not recommended by the eye doctor.
