There are a lot of eye care myths out there. If you mistakenly believe that any of these myths are true, you could be inadvertently causing harm to your eyes. Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of the biggest eye care myths we’ve seen so you can learn the truth about each. Find out here if you’re making some of these eye care mistakes that could be harmful to your eye health.
Myth 1: I don’t need to wear sunglasses.
Truth: The reality is that prolonged or continuous exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays can damage your eyes’ natural lens. This can lead to cataracts and cause macular degeneration, which will eventually lead to vision loss.
When you’re outside for long periods of time, wear sunglasses. Ideally, you should get a pair of sunglasses that block at least 99% of UVB rays and at least 95% of UVA rays.
Myth 2: There’s no harm in rubbing your eyes.
Truth: Sorry, but rubbing your eyes is the easiest way to get eye infections. Next time you go to rub your eyes, think about where your hands have been. If you shake a person’s hand or touch a contaminated surface, then rub your eyes, you’re smearing all those germs in your eyes.
If you really need to rub your eyes, wash your hands first or opt for a facecloth when you can.
Myth 3: Wearing contacts to bed is fine.
Truth: Unfortunately, contact lenses are not meant to be worn for extended periods of time. They are especially not meant to be worn overnight. This deprives your corneas of oxygen and encourages bacterial growth, which can cause eye infections. Wearing your contacts too long can also cause keratitis.
Always remove your contact lenses before bed, clean them with fresh solution and store them correctly.
Myth 4: I use a blue screen filter, so I’m good.
Truth: The truth is, using blue screen filters or computer glasses won’t protect your eyes 100%. While these tools might help reduce the effects of blue light, they won’t prevent the damage that can occur from staring at screens all day. The harm in staring at screens for so long comes from the fact that we get so focused that we don’t blink very often and we might be straining to see what’s on the screen.
If your life involves heavy screen use, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away and refocus your eyes. Throw in a few blinks, too.
Myth 5: Sleeping with and sharing eye makeup is safe.
Truth: This is just not true! Never go to bed without removing your eye makeup and NEVER ever share eye makeup with anyone. First, sleeping in eye makeup can cause inflammation and infections in and around your eyes. This is because the makeup can clog tiny hair follicles and oil glands on your eyelids. Second, sharing makeup is unsanitary and can also lead to eye infections or a stye. When you share eye makeup, you’re also sharing germs and bacteria.
Always use fresh eye makeup that’s not expired and be sure to remove it before bed. And don’t share eye makeup with anyone else!
Myth 6: I don’t need an eye exam every year.
Truth: The reality on this one depends. What’s most important is that you get regular eye exams, and that varies by age. If you’re between 6-19 years old, you need an eye exam every year. You should also get an eye exam annually if you’re 65 or older.
Check out this chart for the minimum frequency of eye exams based on your age, as per the Canadian Association of Optometrists:
| Infants & Toddlers Birth – 24 months | First eye exam between 6-9 months |
| Preschool Children2 – 5 years | At least 1 eye exam between 2-5 years |
| School-Age Children6 – 19 years | 1 eye exam every year |
| Adults20 – 39 years | 1 eye exam every 2-3 years |
| Adults40 – 64 years | 1 eye exam every 2 years |
| Older Adults65 years and older | 1 eye exam every year |
Eye Care & Eye Health at Hakim Optical
Hakim cares about your overall eye health, that’s why we put such emphasis on proper eye care. You can visit our Eye Care and Eye Health pages for more information about how to properly take care of your eyes. We also encourage you to get regular eye exams. We know you don’t want to miss out on any of the beauty that exists in our world!
Schedule your next eye exam today.
Hakim Optical has provided Canadians with quality corrective lenses at a value that can’t be beat for over 55 years. Our knowledgeable staff and optometrists are here to help you find an eyewear solution tailored specifically to you.