Eye Doctors Debunk 13 More Vision Myths | Debunked | Science Insider

Summary

In this enlightening video, Dr. Rani Banik, a board-certified ophthalmologist, and Dr. Jennifer Tsai, an optometrist, debunk common myths about vision and eye health. They discuss a variety of misconceptions, including the effects of blue light, the inevitability of vision loss with age, and the myth that wearing glasses worsens your vision. They clarify issues like color blindness, eye exercises, and floaters, offering insights into the truth behind these widespread beliefs. The doctors emphasize the importance of regular eye exams, proper eye care, and proactive steps to maintain healthy vision throughout life.

Takeaways

• 😀 20/20 vision does not mean perfect vision; other factors like color, contrast, and peripheral vision are also important.
• 😀 Blue light doesn't damage your eyes; it can affect sleep by disrupting circadian rhythms but doesn't cause permanent eye damage.
• 😀 Aging doesn't always lead to vision loss; presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects) is a normal age-related change, not complete vision loss.
• 😀 LASIK surgery may improve vision but doesn't guarantee permanent perfect vision or prevent conditions like myopia regression.
• 😀 Color blindness doesn't mean seeing in black and white; it means seeing certain colors differently, typically reds and greens.
• 😀 Eye exercises cannot improve refractive conditions like myopia or hyperopia but can help with specific conditions like convergence insufficiency.
• 😀 Wearing glasses doesn't worsen vision; they simply correct blurry vision. Vision changes are more related to genetics and eye growth.
• 😀 Dry eyes can lead to corneal scarring if untreated; lubricating eye drops should be used regularly to prevent this.
• 😀 Sneezing with your eyes open will not make your eyes pop out; it's a myth. The eyes are securely held in place by muscles and tissue.
• 😀 Sunglasses are necessary to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays that can lead to long-term eye damage, including cataracts and retinal problems.

Q & A

What does 20/20 vision actually mean?

20/20 vision means that a person can read the letters on an eye chart from 20 feet away that a person with normal vision can also read from the same distance. However, 20/20 vision doesn't necessarily mean perfect vision. It doesn't account for color vision, peripheral vision, or other aspects like contrast sensitivity or near-point vision.

Can blue light from screens damage your eyes?

No, blue light from screens does not cause permanent damage to your retina or lead to blindness. The concern from a 2018 study was based on a test using cervical cancer cells, not eye cells. While blue light can affect sleep by disrupting circadian rhythms, it doesn't damage your eyes. However, blue light blocking glasses may reduce discomfort and improve sleep.

Do eye exercises improve vision?

Eye exercises will not improve refractive conditions like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. The shape of the eye and the cornea are genetically determined and cannot be altered by exercises. However, certain exercises, like those for convergence insufficiency, can help with eye fatigue and focus.

Is it true that LASIK guarantees no glasses forever?

No, LASIK surgery can improve vision, but it doesn't guarantee that you'll never need glasses again. LASIK resets the prescription to 'zero', but issues like myopia regression can occur, and you might still need reading glasses as you age.

Do people with color blindness see in black and white?

No, people with color blindness don't see in black and white. They have difficulty distinguishing certain colors, especially reds, greens, and sometimes oranges or yellows. The condition involves the cones in the retina being tuned to different wavelengths, affecting how colors are perceived.

Will wearing glasses make your vision worse?

No, wearing glasses will not worsen your vision. Glasses simply help correct refractive errors, and whether you wear them or not does not impact the progression of your vision. The change in vision is due to natural factors like genetics and the growth or elongation of the eyeball.

Is dry eye a serious condition?

Dry eye is common and can range from mild to severe. While it isn't usually serious, it can lead to discomfort and potential damage to the cornea if untreated. Frequent lubrication with artificial tears is important, and you should avoid drops containing alcohol, as they can irritate the eyes.

Can contact lenses get lost behind your eye?

No, contact lenses cannot get lost behind your eye because the conjunctiva acts as a protective barrier. If a lens feels dislodged, it is likely still on the eye, and blinking or using lubricating drops should help dislodge it. It is important to avoid repeatedly inserting fresh lenses if you can't find the old ones.

Are sunglasses really necessary for eye protection?

Yes, sunglasses are important for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, which can damage your retina, cornea, and lens over time, increasing the risk of eye diseases and cancers. It’s important to choose sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, and larger frames or wraparound designs provide better coverage.

What are eye floaters, and should you be concerned about them?

Eye floaters are small specks or strands that float in your field of vision. They are often harmless and are caused by the breakdown of the vitreous gel inside the eye. However, if you notice a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or blurred vision, it could be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment, which requires immediate medical attention.