Peepers Set it Straight on Reading Glasses & Vision Myths
There are plenty of vision myths out there. What is true and untrue about common eye care topics like eating carrots and vitamin A? We’ll set the record straight about everything from eye exams to eye strain. Find out what you can about reading glasses and good vision so you can make the best choices for your eye health and your eyeglasses.
Reading Glasses Myths
Have you heard any of these vision myths? They’re well-known, but they’re still untrue! Discover info about your eye health and vision problems before you get your next pair of eyeglasses or have your next eye exam:
1. Wearing over-the-counter readers will cause you to become dependent on them:
NOT TRUE
You may love wearing your Peepers reading glasses, but they won’t cause a dependency. Since reading glasses are designed to correct blurry vision, you’ll simply prefer wearing them. Clear vision with readers is preferable to having uncorrected vision, which makes you want to wear your eyeglasses more often. You are simply getting used to seeing clearly, which makes the alternative (like having increased eye strain or frequent dry eyes) uncomfortable.
As you wear your readers, keep up with regular eye exams. Your ophthalmologist or optometrist can help you keep track of your eye health so you can be confident about the best reading glasses strength and eyewear for you.
2. Wearing readers makes your eyes stronger:
NOT TRUE
Reading glasses help you see clearly, but they do not have any impact on your prescription. Your prescription will change the same amount, whether you wear your readers every day or not. You can treat reading glasses the same if you have a condition like cataracts or glaucoma. Ask your eye doctor if you have questions about your prescription or your reading glasses strength. They can help you determine if you’re wearing the right eyeglasses for your needs.
3. Reading in dim light is harmful to your eyes:
NOT TRUE
Good lighting can make reading easier and prevent the effects of eye fatigue or eye strain. When your eyes have to work harder to see in dim light, they become tired. Eye strain can cause symptoms like headaches or itchy eyeballs. While reading in dim lighting can feel uncomfortable for some, you will not cause permanent damage.
It’s good news that your eyes are still in good health, but dim lighting can cause straining and discomfort. Thankfully, there are ways you can prevent eye strain while reading a good book. First, ensure you are near a floor lamp or desk lamp bright enough to help you read the text clearly. Change out lightbulbs that seem too dim for reading. Use an extra light like a book light to help illuminate your pages.
4. Eating carrots can improve your vision:
NOT TRUE
We know that carrots have lots of vitamin A, a vitamin which is essential for sight. It won’t cure a condition like nearsightedness or farsightedness, but it can help to keep your eyes healthy. Many other foods also have this vitamin. A well-balanced diet, with or without eating carrots, will provide all the vitamin A necessary for your eye health. Fruits and vegetables include vitamin A. So do certain types of dairy and animal products. If you have questions about vitamin A and how much you need for your age or lifestyle, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out the right nutrients in your diet for eye health.
5. People with weak eyes should avoid reading fine print:
NOT TRUE
It has been said that people with weak eyes or people who wear readers will damage their eyes sooner if they read fine print. This is because they’re thinking of the eye as a muscle. Instead, the eye is more like a camera. A camera does not wear out quicker because it photographs subjects in close detail. The same thing applies with your eye health. You can use your eyes and eye muscles without fear of wearing them out!
Vision Myths Versus Facts
If you were curious about the common truths and misconceptions surrounding vision loss and eye disease, now you have helpful information to take to your ophthalmology or optometry doctor! Empower yourself with facts about eyeglasses so you can enhance your vision and find the best eyewear for your needs. Peepers has plenty of stylish choices for reading glasses and, when you’re ready, you can use your expertise to find the perfect pair.