Fact Or Fiction: Deciphering 3 Eye- And Vision-Related Myths

When it comes to your health, it is hard to know if what you hear is true or false. For instance, your mom always told you to eat your carrots so that you would have good vision. Was that true? Or was she telling you a fib to try and get you to eat your vegetables? Keep reading to learn about three eye- and vision-related myths and whether or not they are fact or fiction.

1. Reading Without Enough Light Damages Your Vision. Fact or Fiction?

Fiction: Apparently, when your parents told you that you were going to ruin your eyes forever if you kept reading without the light turned on, they were lying. There is no sufficient evidence to suggest that there is any long-term adverse side effects of reading in the dark or in dim light. However, this doesn't mean that you won't experience fatigue or some discomfort, so you may get a headache or feel overly tired.

2. Carrots Are Good for the Eyes. Fact or Fiction?

Fact: Carrots are indeed good for your eyes and vision. This is because of the high amount of vitamin A found within these orange vegetables. Vitamin A is a group of antioxidants that work to keep the mucous membranes, skin and surface of the eye strong so that they can fight off viruses and bacteria. It has shown to have an effect on reducing your risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Vitamin A can be found in plenty of other foods as well, just in case you don't like carrots. These foods include sweet potatoes, kale, milk, cheese and cantaloupes. If you're suffering from dry eyes, you may want to speak to your eye doctor about vitamin A drops, as they've been proven to be effective in dry eye treatment.

3. Nightlight in Kids' Rooms Will Lead to Nearsightedness. Fact or Fiction?

Fiction: Old research said that a nightlight or any type of light left on in a child's bedroom at night could increase their risk of developing nearsightedness later on as a juvenile. However, another study was performed and found no link between leaving any form of light on and this eye condition. The study showed that 20 percent of 417 children who slept with no light on developed nearsightedness; 17 percent of 758 children who slept with a nightlight developed the condition; and 22 percent of 45 children who slept overnight in a room that was fully lit became nearsighted.

Your best step to protecting your eyes and eyesight is to visit an eye doctor like Wear Eyewear on a regular basis. This allows problems to be caught early on when they are treatable, rather than finding them when the condition or disease has progressed too far to be treated successfully. If you haven't had an eye exam recently, do yourself – and your eyes – a favor and give your local eye physician a call and schedule yourself an appointment.