10 Myths About Nearsightedness and Facts

Many people consider nearsightedness or myopia only occurs in children. Some say the use of glasses can make farsightedness farsighted. In fact, all that is just a myth that is not proven true. Nearsightedness is a form of eye refraction disorder. When experiencing nearsightedness, sufferers are unable to clearly see an object that is located far away. In fact, the object can be seen clearly by people who have normal vision. Myopia (myopia) is caused by the structure of the eyeball that is too long or the cornea is too curved. This condition causes the light captured by the eye to be focused in front of the retina, so that distant objects look blurry.

Test Myth Truth About Nearsightedness

There are many myths about farsightedness or myopia. However, do not easily believe it first, because the myth is not necessarily proven true. The following are some myths about nearsightedness along with the facts:

1. Myopia only occurs in children

Myopia usually does develop in childhood, when growth is still ongoing. However, myopia can also occur in adults. One of them is due to the habit of seeing objects from a very close distance.

2. Sitting too close to the TV can cause myopia

The habit of seeing objects at close range can indeed increase the risk of disturbances. But, don't jump to conclusions. It is possible for people who often watch TV up close indeed to have suffered nearsightedness. Myopic sufferers prefer watching TV up close because they have difficulty seeing far.

3. Glasses can aggravate nearsightedness

Glasses and contact lenses are one way to help people with nearsightedness to see clearly. This aid can not treat myopia, but it also does not make myopia worse. Conversely, glasses and contact lenses actually prevent damage to the eye due to the condition of myopia that is not treated. Keep in mind, nearsightedness can still get worse despite wearing glasses or contact lenses. However, this is not caused by the use of this tool, but rather by genetic conditions or daily habits.

4. Laser surgery is a surefire solution to overcoming myopia

Disturbances can occur if the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. Laser or LASIK eye surgery can correct myopia caused by corneal deformity, but it cannot improve the length of the eyeball. So, even though you have had laser surgery, you may still experience nearsightedness if your eyeballs are too long. However, after the shape of the cornea is corrected by laser surgery, the condition of your myopia will be lighter.

5. Myopia occurs due to the wrong way of looking

This myth has a point. A person can be affected by myopia if he often sees things up close for a long time, for example reading, sewing, or looking at the gadget's screen. However, genetic conditions also play a large role. If you often look closely, make sure to leave a distance of about 35 cm between the eye and the object being seen. Also apply the 20-20-20 rule, which is every 20 minutes, shift your gaze to look as far as 20 feet (6 meters), for 20 seconds. If you have seen the object closely for 2 hours, you should rest your eyes at least 15 minutes.

6. Seeing green objects can reduce or prevent myopia

Resting your eyes by looking at objects that are far between activities is a good thing to do. Green objects, such as plants, can be seen when the eye is looking far away. However, there is no need to see objects or scenes that are green while resting the eyes.

7. Myopia is caused by the habit of reading while lying down

The habit of reading while lying down, reading in the dark, and watching TV for too long can make your eyes have to focus on objects that are close for a long time. This can increase the risk of myopia. This habit is more often done by children. So, if you see that your child has a habit that can damage the eyes, try to see it to the eye doctor. Impaired visual impairment is known to cause more serious disorders, such as lazy eyes (amblyopia).

8. Sleep early can prevent farsightedness

There is no scientific evidence that says that going to bed early can help prevent myopia. It is not the length of sleep that can affect a person's risk of developing nearsightedness, but the activities he does while awake. If you often sleep late at night because of activities that require you to look closely, such as playing games on the gadget screen or reading at close range, your risk of exposure to nearsightedness will be greater.

9. Eating carrots or vitamin A supplements can prevent or treat nearsightedness

Eating foods high in vitamin A does have a good effect on eye health. However, this has not been proven to have a specific effect on treating nearsightedness. Even so, foods that are rich in vitamin A still need to be consumed regularly to maintain eye health.

10. Glasses with a lower minus can reduce farsightedness

This myth is not true. Wearing glasses with less lens strength can actually cause discomfort, cause tired eyes, and increase the risk of lazy eyes. Therefore, use glasses with the right lens strength, so you can see clearly and comfortably. To avoid misinformation around eye health and vision, don't just believe in myths. First make sure the truth to the doctor. To maintain eye health, have your eyes checked regularly by an eye specialist. If you suffer from nearsightedness, check your visual acuity periodically as directed by your doctor.