Most of us value our eyesight above all other senses. Yet we often repeat myths about how to keep our eyes healthy. These misconceptions can lead to poor habits and delay necessary care. According to the National Eye Institute, millions of people experience vision problems each year, and some of those problems cause permanent vision loss. The good news is that you can take steps to protect your sight. To do that, you first need to separate fact from fiction. Below are seven lies people tell themselves about their eyes and the truth behind each one.
Lie 1: “I don’t need an eye exam because my vision is fine”
Why people believe it
Many people only schedule eye exams when they notice blurred vision or headaches. If everything looks clear, they assume their eyes are healthy. This belief ignores the fact that many serious eye diseases develop silently. Conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age‑related macular degeneration often have no early warning signs. By the time vision changes appear, permanent damage may have already occurred.
The facts
- Regular exams detect hidden problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to detect certain eye diseases in their early stages. During this exam, an eye care professional dilates your pupils and examines the retina and optic nerve for signs of damage.
- Early treatment saves sight. Early detection and timely treatment can preserve vision for diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Waiting until vision changes occur can reduce the effectiveness of treatment.
- You might see better with glasses or contacts. The CDC also reminds us that some people don’t realize they could see better with corrective lenses. A small change in prescription can make reading, driving and daily tasks easier.
Tips
- Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams—even if your vision appears fine. Ask your eye doctor how often you should be tested based on your age, health and family history.
- Talk with relatives about your family’s eye health history. Knowing if conditions like glaucoma run in your family can guide your care.
- See an eye care professional right away if you notice sudden changes, flashes of light or floaters. These may signal urgent problems.
Lie 2: “Reading in dim light or using screens will ruin my eyes”
Why people believe it
Parents and teachers have warned children for generations not to read in the dark or sit too close to screens. The fear is that dim light or digital devices will permanently damage eyesight. With more time spent on phones and computers, concerns about “blue light” have grown.
The facts
- Dim light causes fatigue, not permanent harm. Harvard Health Publishing debunks this myth: reading in dim light will not damage your eyesight or eye health. Poor lighting can make your eyes work harder and tire them out more quickly, but it does not cause long‑term damage. Position a lamp so it shines directly onto your book to reduce strain.
- Screens cause temporary eyestrain. Harvard also explains that staring at a computer screen does not damage your eye health. However, people blink less often when using screens, which can cause dryness and discomfort. The CDC recommends using the 20‑20‑20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple practice gives your eyes a rest and reduces fatigue.
- Blue light filters may reduce glare but aren’t a cure‑all. Blue light–filtering glasses are popular, but there is limited evidence that they prevent eyestrain. Focus on regular breaks, blinking often and adjusting screen brightness instead.
Tips
- Use adequate lighting when reading. A desk lamp with an opaque shade pointed at your material works well.
- Follow the 20‑20‑20 rule whenever you spend long periods at a computer. Set a timer to remind yourself to take breaks.
- Adjust your screen settings: increase the font size, reduce glare and position the monitor so the top is at or slightly below eye level.
Lie 3: “Carrots are the secret to perfect eyesight”
Why people believe it
Carrots contain beta carotene, a form of vitamin A, which is essential for eye health. During World War II, the British Air Ministry promoted carrots to explain their pilots’ improved night vision, fueling the myth that carrots dramatically improve eyesight. Many people still think eating large quantities of carrots will correct vision problems.
The facts
- Carrots are healthy, but not magical. Harvard Health states that carrots, which contain vitamin A, are good for the eyes. However, fresh fruits and dark green leafy vegetables containing vitamins C and E are even better for eye health. These antioxidant vitamins may help protect against cataracts and age‑related macular degeneration, but they cannot correct nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- A varied diet matters more. The CDC advises eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish high in omega‑3 fatty acids for healthy eyes. Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale and collard greens provide nutrients that support the retina and lens. Fish such as salmon and tuna supply omega‑3s that may reduce dry eye symptoms.
- Deficiencies can cause problems. Severe vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness. In developed countries, this deficiency is rare. Carrots can help meet your vitamin A needs, but they won’t give you “supervision.”
Tips
- Eat a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, including dark leafy greens and orange veggies.
- Include fish rich in omega‑3 fatty acids in your diet at least twice per week.
- Remember that no single food will cure vision problems; a balanced diet supports overall eye health.
Lie 4: “Wearing glasses or contacts will make my eyes weaker”
Why people believe it
Some people fear that once they start wearing glasses or contact lenses, their eyes will become dependent and get worse. They may notice that when they remove their glasses, vision seems blurrier than before, leading them to believe that glasses are causing harm.
The facts
- Corrective lenses do not weaken eyes. A wellness newsletter from the City of Seattle notes that the myth that wearing glasses or contact lenses will worsen your eyesight is false. The fact is that wearing corrective lenses will not make you dependent on them or worsen your eyesight. Glasses and contacts simply focus light so you can see clearly; they do not change the physical structure of your eye.
- Vision changes naturally. As we age, the lens inside the eye loses flexibility, leading to presbyopia (difficulty focusing on near objects). This change happens whether or not you wear glasses. Similarly, children with nearsightedness may experience progression during growth spurts. Wearing prescribed lenses ensures they see clearly but does not speed the progression.
- Not wearing glasses can cause strain. Harvard Health explains that not wearing needed glasses strains your eyes and tires them out instead of resting them. Straining can lead to headaches and fatigue but does not correct your vision.
Tips
- Wear your prescribed glasses or contacts as directed by your eye care professional.
- If your prescription changes, update your lenses; out‑of‑date lenses can cause strain and headaches.
- Encourage children who need glasses to wear them consistently to support learning and avoid squinting.
Lie 5: “Losing vision is just a normal part of aging – nothing I can do”
Why people believe it
Because conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration occur more frequently with age, many people assume vision loss is inevitable. They may believe that preventive care won’t make a difference and resign themselves to declining vision.
The facts
- Vision problems are not an unavoidable fate. The same Seattle wellness newsletter notes the myth that losing your vision is part of aging. In reality, many vision problems can be prevented or treated, so it is important to follow your eye care provider’s advice and have regular exams.
- Age increases risk, but early care helps. The NEI explains that some groups—such as older adults, people with diabetes or high blood pressure, and certain racial and ethnic groups—are at higher risk for vision loss. However, regular comprehensive eye exams and timely treatment can prevent or slow many age‑related eye diseases.
- Healthy lifestyle choices matter. Maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, and not smoking can reduce the risk of conditions like diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts and age‑related macular degeneration.
Tips
- Don’t assume blurry vision is normal. If you notice changes, schedule an eye exam promptly.
- Keep chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension under control to protect your eyes.
- Wear sunglasses that block 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays to protect against UV‑induced cataracts.
- Stay physically active and eat a nutrient‑rich diet to support overall and ocular health.
Lie 6: “It’s safe to sleep in my contact lenses”
Why people believe it
Some contact lenses are approved for extended wear, and busy schedules or fatigue can make removing lenses at night seem like a hassle. Wearers may think that occasional naps in lenses are harmless.
The facts
- Sleeping in contacts multiplies infection risk. A CDC report in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report states that sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of contact lens–related eye infections by six‑ to eightfold. Approximately one‑third of contact lens wearers report sleeping or napping in their lenses. These infections, often due to microbes on the lens surface, can lead to corneal damage and possible permanent vision loss.
- Serious cases require surgery. The report describes cases of microbial keratitis where patients who slept in lenses required frequent antibiotic drops, multiple follow‑up visits and, in some situations, surgery such as corneal transplantation. This underscores how serious contact lens infections can be.
- Follow instructions. Contact lenses are medical devices regulated by the FDA. Proper wear and care, including removing lenses at night unless specifically approved by your doctor, is essential.
Tips
- Always remove your contacts before sleeping, unless your eye care professional has prescribed lenses approved for overnight wear. Even then, follow their schedule strictly.
- Replace lenses and cases as recommended and use fresh contact lens solution; do not reuse solution.
- If you experience redness, pain, or blurred vision while wearing contacts, remove them and consult your eye care professional immediately.
Lie 7: “Digital eye strain is unavoidable — there’s nothing I can do”
Why people believe it
People spend hours each day on computers, tablets and smartphones. Dryness, headaches and blurred vision—symptoms of digital eye strain—are common. Many assume that discomfort is inevitable and that nothing will help.
The facts
- Eyestrain is real but manageable. Staring at a computer does not damage your eyes, but it can make them feel dry and tired because you blink less often. Adjusting your habits and workspace can reduce these symptoms.
- Use the 20‑20‑20 rule. The CDC recommends that every 20 minutes, you should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple strategy helps relax the eye muscles and reduces fatigue. Set a reminder on your phone or computer to adopt this habit.
- Optimize your environment. Adjust your monitor so the top is at eye level, and position it about arm’s length away. Use an anti‑glare screen if necessary. Increase the contrast and brightness settings to comfortable levels. Stay mindful of blinking—consciously blink more often to keep your eyes moist.
- Stay hydrated and consider artificial tears. Drinking plenty of water and using preservative‑free lubricating drops can help relieve dryness.
Tips
- Follow the 20‑20‑20 rule regularly.
- Adjust your monitor and chair to promote good posture and reduce neck and eye strain.
- Use room lighting that minimizes glare on the screen, and consider blue‑light‑filtering settings or glasses if they help you feel more comfortable.
Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Eye Health
Our eyes work hard for us every day. Let’s not take them for granted. Believing myths about eye health can lead to neglect and unnecessary harm. Regular eye exams detect silent problems and ensure you’re seeing your best. Reading in dim light or using screens will not ruin your vision, but proper lighting and breaks can make you more comfortable. Carrots are healthy, yet dark leafy greens and fish provide essential nutrients. Wearing glasses or contacts will not weaken your eyes, and losing your vision is not an inevitable part of aging. Sleeping in contact lenses is risky and avoidable, while digital eye strain can be managed with simple habits.
By questioning these lies and following evidence‑based advice, you can protect your sight for years to come. Schedule regular eye exams, adopt healthy habits and seek professional guidance when needed. Your eyes will thank you.
