With the current level of technological development, home electronic devices are safe for our eyes.
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According to statistics, one in four inhabitants of the Earth suffers from myopia. We are also plagued by computer vision syndrome (see below) and farsightedness develops with age. At the same time, most people are sure: we hurt our eyes looking at smartphones and working on a laptop, looking at small texts and reading in low light. If you do special gymnastics, eat blueberries, carrots and dietary supplements, you can strengthen your eyesight. Or is it not yet?
The truth about what is really beneficial and harmful for an adult’s eyes was revealed on the basis of the latest scientific data by ophthalmologist, member of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons Anastasia Utkina. The expert made a presentation at the annual forum “Scientists against Myths.”
Myth 1: Devices hurt your eyes
– I often hear: you need to look at your smartphone less, sit further from the TV. The computer screen spoils vision, an e-book is more harmful than a paper one, the doctor gives a typical reasoning.
In fact: at the current level of technological development, home electronic devices are safe for our eyes, explains Anastasia Utkina. Research does not confirm that radiation from the devices can damage vision.
But then why, after working for a long time on a laptop or hanging out in front of a smartphone, do your eyes get tired, itchy and red? Sometimes he feels like sand has been thrown at them. Or covered by a veil of fog.
“In these cases we are not talking about some type of disease, an irreversible visual disability,” emphasizes the ophthalmologist. – These are the consequences of visual fatigue, the so-called dry eye syndrome and computer vision syndrome. They are associated with long-term stress. The simplest and most effective way to help yourself is to periodically rest, take breaks from work or browse social networks (for more details, see “This will be useful to you” below – Editor’s note). Moisturizing eye drops and room humidifiers if the air is dry can also help relieve symptoms.
BY THE WAY
The fact that blue light from device screens is harmful to our eyes is also a myth, says the doctor. This does not affect vision in any way. However, it is worth remembering that this light can alter circadian rhythms and the production of melatonin, the “night hormone.” That is why it is recommended to take off your smartphone and turn off your laptop an hour before going to bed.
Myth 2: Working with small parts is harmful
Constantly looking at the fine print and microscopic details when repairing or assembling any device, it seems, what could be more harmful?
As in reality: we are again talking about temporary visual fatigue and the two syndromes already mentioned (see myth 1), says Anastasia Utkina. Yes, working with small parts at close range can cause discomfort if you don’t rest. But in adults, such activities cannot cause myopia or other irreversible disorders or aggravate existing eye diseases.
Myth 3: You can’t read at twilight and LED lamps are dangerous
We remember from a young age that reading in low light damages our eyesight. But you also have to be careful with modern LED lamps. First of all, they flash too often. Secondly, the spectrum of light they emit is unfavorable for our eyes. That’s what they write on the Internet.
In fact: reading in the dark does not harm your eyesight, the doctor assures. This may be uncomfortable and you will become more tense. But there is no evidence that such conditions contribute to the development of myopia. As for LED lamps, according to research results, they are safe for eyesight.
Myth 4: Glasses are addictive
Wearing glasses all the time is harmful. They are addictive and accelerate vision deterioration. Try removing your “eyepieces” more often. Without them, of course, it is difficult to see, but your eyes are trained. This is not only written on the Internet, but also said by some doctors.
As they really are: glasses are simply an optical instrument that helps the eye see normally. Research shows that wearing them when selected correctly (the main sign is that you feel comfortable) cannot harm you in any way. In addition, if with the help of glasses it is possible to achieve complete vision correction (that is, a person sees 10 lines of the ophthalmological table), this can even slow down the progression of myopia.
Myth 5: Tea bags cure your eyes
Its use is suggested for fatigue, inflammation of the edges of the eyelids (blepharitis) and any eye discomfort. In a word, a universal remedy, almost like a soft drink.
What it’s really like: First of all, we can’t know exactly what manufacturers put in these bags, warns Anastasia Utkina. What is the composition? Will it cause an allergic reaction? Secondly, if there is a positive effect, it occurs simply because you put something hot on your eyelids. It is relaxing and can relieve fatigue and reduce discomfort. But it is better to simply make a warm compress (for example, with clean cotton pads soaked in water). Blepharitis and other diseases, of course, cannot be treated with tea or compresses. If for someone they disappeared after such lotions, it means that they disappeared on their own (it just coincided in time).
Myth 6: Berries, dietary supplements and carrots will help
Blueberries and dietary supplements with their extract, as well as carrots as a source of vitamin A, perfectly strengthen eyesight. They inhibit the development of diseases and even help you see better.
In reality, no matter how many you eat, the condition of your eyes will not change, says the ophthalmologist. The only exception is when a person has a confirmed vitamin A deficiency (this is extremely rare). Then, when it replenishes, vision can actually improve.
“In laboratory experiments, they discovered the positive effect of blueberries on some processes in retinal tissue,” notes Anastasia Utkina. – However, these were in vitro experiments. “There is no convincing evidence of a real effect on people.”
Myth 7: Special gymnastics restores vision
In the 60s of the last century, a book with exercises to restore vision according to the method of ophthalmologist Bates was published in the West. Our translation appeared in the 90s. “At that time it was already known that many of the theories presented in the book were very outdated and did not correspond to reality,” explains Anastasia Utkina. But even now on the Internet you can find claims that special gymnastics can eliminate myopia.
In fact: Unfortunately, no amount of exercise can cure eye diseases. However, these activities provide breaks from visual stress. Thanks to this, fatigue is reduced and the ocular surface is better moisturized. And as a result, the sharpness of the image may temporarily improve slightly, explains the doctor.
THIS WILL BE USEFUL
How can you really help yourself?
Science has proven that it is really beneficial for our eyes:
– during visual stress (working at a computer, reading books, etc.) follow the 20-20-20 rule. This means: once every 20 minutes, you should take a 20-second break and look 20 feet away (that’s about 6 m);
– moisturize the eyes. If you experience discomfort or a feeling of sand in your eyes, use moisturizing drops without preservatives, advises Anastasia Utkina;
– make warm compresses – again for discomfort and eye fatigue;
– monitor indicators that reflect the health of blood vessels; The state of our organ of vision largely depends on them. It is important to periodically monitor and maintain normal (if there are abnormalities, take medication), first of all, the following indicators: cholesterol levels, blood glucose and blood pressure.
“In general, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle; this improves the condition of the entire body and, of course, affects eye health,” says the ophthalmologist.
