OPHTHALMOLOGY

Q: I hear so much advice about keeping my eyes healthy and what’s good/not good for my eyes. What are some of the basics that will help me sort through all this information?

A: We’ve all been told by someone at some time, or read somewhere that, ‘You can hurt your eyes if you do that!’ It is important to separate fact from fiction so here are some frequently heard myths and the fact of the matter.

MYTH: Reading in dim light will harm your vision. FACT: Dim lighting will not negatively affect your eyesight, but your eyes may tire more quickly. Positioning reading light so that it shines directly on the page, not over your shoulder, is beneficial and can help prevent eye fatigue.

MYTH: A sudden, temporary loss of vision is not serious if it lasts only a minute or so. FACT: Even a brief loss of vision, in just one eye, can be a sign of a serious problem. See your eye doctor immediately.

MYTH: A cataract must be ‘ripe’ before is it removed. FACT: Cataracts can be removed when they interfere with one’s daily activities. When it becomes difficult for you to see well enough to do the things you like or need to do, schedule a cataract evaluation visit with your eye doctor to determine when is the right time to remove your cataracts.

MYTH: Staring at a computer screen all day or constantly using electronic devices is harmful to your eyes. FACT: Using a computer or electronic devices will not harm your eyes but it can contribute to eyestrain or tired eyes because you are not blinking as much as usual. Blinking helps to keep the eye moist and feeling comfortable. When using the computer or electronic devices for long periods of time, rest your eyes briefly every hour to lessen eye fatigue. Also, make sure to blink regularly or use artificial tears if you feel your eyes are becoming dry.

MYTH: Reading fine print for too long will wear out or damage your eyes. FACT: This is one of the most widely held myths about vision. Although extensive or prolonged reading of fine print may cause eye strain, there is no evidence to suggest that it will damage or wear out your eyes. You can use your eyes without fear of wearing them out.

MYTH: Wearing glasses all the time will make you dependent on them. FACT: If you need glasses for distance or reading, wear them. Using your glasses won’t worsen your vision or lead to any dependence, nor will it lead to any eye disease or dysfunction.

MYTH: Eye exams are only necessary of you are having problems. FACT: Everyone should follow proper eye healthcare, which includes regular exams, whether there are any noticeable signs, symptoms, or problems. Children should be tested for vision at birth, at 6 months, before entering school, and periodically throughout the school years. For adults, frequency of vision exams depends on your doctor’s advice and may be every two years or more often as required. If you are diabetic, have an eye disease, or other disorder that affects the eyes, you should go every year, or more often as recommended by your eye doctor, for a comprehensive dilated eye exam and testing.

Gregory Eippert, MD 8140 Norton Parkway Mentor, OH 44060

440-255-1115 www.opivision.com