Eye health is something most people take for granted – until there’s a problem. Data shows more than 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from vision impairment – and at least 1 billion of those cases could have been prevented or treated with proper care.
The issue is many of us are walking around with outdated advice or plain misinformation.
Think wearing prescription glasses makes your eyes weaker? Or that carrots are a magic fix for your vision? It’s time to set the record straight.
This post breaks down the most common eye health myths, explains the science behind them, and gives practical advice you can trust. Whether you’re wondering if dry eyes can cause blindness or if skipping your eye test is really that bad, we’ve got the answers.
Myth 1: Sitting too close to the tv will ruin your eyes
The truth: It won’t. Sitting close to the TV may cause temporary discomfort or eye strain, especially for children or people with uncorrected vision problems, but it doesn’t cause lasting damage.
The science: Eye strain from screens is real, but it’s more about how long you’re staring than how close you are. Digital eye strain can lead to symptoms like blurred vision, dry eyes, and headaches. But none of this results in permanent vision loss.
What to do instead: Practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Also, regular eye tests can catch underlying vision issues early, especially in children.
Myth 2: If you can see fine, you don’t need an eye test
Reality check: Many serious eye conditions develop silently, and by the time symptoms emerge, it can be too late!
The science: Glaucoma, for example, often progresses without noticeable symptoms until vision is already lost. Macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and even cataracts can advance without pain or obvious vision changes. Only a comprehensive eye test can detect these issues early.
Recommendation: Adults should get a comprehensive eye exam every two years, even if they have perfect vision. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease should see an eye specialist more frequently.
Myth 3: Wearing prescription glasses makes your eyes dependent on them
Reality check: Glasses don’t make your vision worse – they help you see better.
The science: Prescription glasses adjust how light enters your eyes so that it focuses properly on the retina. They don’t weaken eye muscles or cause dependence. What actually happens is you notice the blurry vision more once you’ve gotten used to seeing clearly with glasses.
Pro tip: Wearing the wrong prescription, or avoiding glasses altogether, can cause unnecessary eye strain and headaches. Your eyes aren’t getting “weaker” – they’re just struggling.
Myth 4: Dry eyes are just a minor annoyance
Reality check: Chronic dry eye is more than a nuisance – it can become a serious medical issue if ignored.
So, can dry eyes cause blindness?
Technically, yes—though rarely. Chronic dry eye can damage the cornea, leading to scarring or ulcers, which can impair vision. Infections are more likely because the eyes lack a healthy tear film to protect them. Over time, this can cause vision loss if untreated.
The science: Dry eye occurs when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. It’s often linked to aging, screen use, certain medications, autoimmune conditions, or environmental factors. It may also be a symptom of a more serious issue like meibomian gland dysfunction.
When to see an eye specialist: If you experience burning, gritty sensations, redness, or blurred vision that doesn’t go away, it’s time for a professional evaluation. Early treatment can prevent complications.
Advanced dry eye treatment
At Safarian & Simon Opticians, we offer advanced, personalised treatments for chronic dry eye – ranging from artificial tears and lacrimal plugs to cutting-edge solutions like Optima IPL therapy, which targets inflammation at the source.
We also provide meibomian gland probing, ZEST and Blephex eyelid cleaning, LLLT, and amniotic membrane lenses. With one of the most comprehensive dry eye treatment suites in the region, we’re equipped to manage even the most persistent cases. Not sure what’s right for you?
Book a Dry Eye Assessment and get expert guidance tailored to your needs.
Read more: Dry Eyes: What You Need To Know
Myth 5: Staring at the sun will only hurt a little
The claim: A quick glance at the sun won’t do much harm.
Reality check: Even brief direct exposure to sunlight can cause lasting retinal damage.
The science: Staring at the sun – even during an eclipse – can result in solar retinopathy. This condition happens when UV light literally burns the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. The damage is often permanent and irreversible.
Prevention: Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. If you’re not sure yours do, it’s worth investing in a better pair. Also: never look at the sun directly, even with regular sunglasses.
Myth 6: Only older adults need to worry about eye health
Reality check: Eye problems can affect anyone, including kids.
The science: Myopia (nearsightedness) is rising sharply in children due to increased screen time and lack of outdoor activity in their early years. Conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eyes) must be caught early to prevent lifelong issues. Even adults in their 20s and 30s can experience retinal problems, dry eye syndrome, or early glaucoma.
What to do: Children should have their first eye test before age 5, and regularly afterward. Adults under 40 should get checked every 2 years, and more often if symptoms or risk factors are present.
Learn more: Caring for Your Children’s Eye Health: Tips for Parents
Myth 7: Rubbing Your Eyes Is Harmless
Reality check: Frequent eye rubbing can do more damage than you think, especially over time.
The science: Rubbing your eyes might offer temporary relief, but it can actually worsen irritation and even harm your eyes. Chronic rubbing is linked to keratoconus, a condition where the cornea thins and bulges outward, distorting vision. It can also break tiny blood vessels, increase eye pressure temporarily (dangerous if you’re at risk for glaucoma), and introduce bacteria that lead to infections.
When to stop: If your eyes feel itchy or tired, rubbing won’t fix the problem – address the cause. Dry eye, allergies, or digital strain might be behind the urge. Book an eye test or see an eye specialist to find the root issue and treat it properly.
Book an eye test with the best eye specialist in London
Your eyes are complex and incredibly important – don’t let myths put them at risk. Regular eye tests, timely checkups with an eye specialist, and evidence-based care are your best tools for protecting your sight.
If you want to protect your eyes, book regular eye tests with Safarian & Simon. We offer comprehensive eye tests, with machines and expertise that go beyond regular high street offering. We also offer specialised treatments for dry eyes, to address the root cause of symptoms and provide lasting relief beyond standard eye drops.
Contact us today to prioritise your eye health and trust your vision to experienced professionals.
