General information only. This article does not replace a consultation with a clinician. If you have concerning symptoms, book an appointment with your doctor or an ophthalmologist.
Eye myths spread fast because many sound harmless. In reality, they can delay checks or push people toward unhelpful habits. As an ophthalmologist on the Gold Coast provider, we hear the same claims every week. Below, we unpack the most common myths, explain what the evidence actually supports and share practical steps you can take today.
Myth 1: Reading In Dim Light Damages Your Eyes
The truth: Dim light can strain your eyes and cause headaches, yet it does not cause permanent damage. Your eyes work harder to focus, which feels uncomfortable but does not harm the retina or change the prescription.
What to do: Use task lighting that sits behind you, shining onto the page or keyboard. If strain lingers, check your prescription or screen ergonomics.
Myth 2: Carrots Fix Your Vision
The truth: Carrots contain vitamin A which supports normal eye function, but they do not reverse short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism. You cannot eat your way out of a refractive error.
What to do: Aim for a balanced diet with leafy greens, coloured vegetables and omega-3 rich foods. Diet supports eye health, it does not replace clinical care.
Myth 3: Vision Problems Only Affect Older Adults
The truth: Children develop myopia, teens get digital eye strain and adults can develop keratoconus or inflammatory eye disease. Age increases risk for cataract and macular conditions, but vision change is not exclusive to older age.
What to do: Schedule routine eye exams across life stages, especially if you notice blur, glare or a family history of eye disease.
Myth 4: Screens Ruin Your Eyesight
The truth: Long screen sessions cause dryness, fatigue and temporary blur, yet they do not permanently damage the eye. The issue is reduced blink rate and close focus for long periods.
What to do: Follow the 20-20-20 habit — every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Keep screens slightly below eye level and use lubricating drops if advised.
Immediate Post-Surgery Care
Following post-surgery instructions can help reduce irritation and protect the eye during recovery. These steps are designed to support healing and minimise discomfort.
Key aspects of aftercare:
- Apply prescribed eye drops according to the instructions to help manage inflammation and reduce the risk of infection.
- Use the provided protective shield, particularly while sleeping, to prevent accidental contact with the eye.
- Limit activities like heavy lifting, bending over, or strenuous movement for the first week.
- Take precautions to prevent water from entering the eye.
Myth 5: Rubbing Your Eyes Is Harmless
The truth: Frequent, firm rubbing can irritate the eye, trigger infections and in susceptible people contribute to corneal weakening. It also worsens redness and swelling around the lids.
What to do: Treat itch or dryness rather than rubbing. Use cold compresses, manage allergies and ask about safe lubricants or antihistamine drops.
Myth 6: If You See Well, You Do Not Need Eye Checks
The truth: Early glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and macular changes can develop without pain or obvious blur. By the time symptoms appear, damage may be established.
What to do: Keep regular eye exams even if you feel fine, and do not skip tests like eye pressure checks or retinal imaging when recommended.
Myth 7: Sunglasses Are Only For Bright Days
The truth: UV exposure adds up year round, including on overcast days. Unfiltered UV can contribute to pterygium, cataract and surface irritation.
What to do: Choose sunglasses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB, and consider wrap styles for beach or boating days when glare is strong.
Myth 8: Eye Exercises Can Cure Refractive Errors
The truth: No exercise has been shown to correct myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. Exercises can support focus flexibility in specific cases, but they do not replace glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.
What to do: Use the optical correction that gives you clear, comfortable vision. Ask your clinician if targeted exercises are relevant for your condition.
Myth 9: Contact Lenses Are Always Risky
The truth: Modern lenses are safe when fitted correctly and cared for as directed. Most complications come from poor hygiene, sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight wear or water exposure.
What to do: Follow wear times, wash and dry hands before handling lenses and avoid showering or swimming in them. If you feel pain, remove the lens and seek advice.
Myth 10: Red Eyes Always Mean Infection
The truth: Redness can come from dryness, allergy, irritants, broken surface vessels or infection. Treating all redness like conjunctivitis risks overuse of drops that are not needed.
What to do: Note any discharge, light sensitivity or vision change. If redness persists beyond a day or two, get a professional assessment.
Myth 11: “Blue Light Glasses” Protect Eyes From Damage
The truth: Current evidence does not show blue light from screens causes eye disease. Blue light can disturb sleep if used late at night, and screens cause fatigue due to near focus and reduced blinking.
What to do: Prioritise screen breaks, good lighting and night-time device settings. If sleep is affected, reduce device use in the hour before bed.
Myth 12: Eye Drops Are All The Same
The truth: Lubricants, antihistamines, steroid drops and pressure-lowering drops do very different jobs. Some should only be used under supervision, especially steroids which can raise eye pressure or worsen infections.
What to do: Do not borrow drops. Use products matched to your diagnosis and return for review if symptoms do not settle.
Myth 13: Cataracts Must “Ripen” Before Surgery
The truth: Cataract surgery timing is based on how the lens affects daily life and clinical findings, not an old idea of ripeness. Waiting has no special benefit if vision limits work, driving or independence.
What to do: If glare at night, dull colours or frequent prescription changes are affecting you, discuss options and timing with your ophthalmologist.
Myth 14: Flashes And Floaters Are Normal At Any Age
The truth: Occasional floaters are common, but a sudden shower of floaters, new flashes or a shadow in the side vision can signal retinal tears or detachment, which needs urgent care.
What to do: Seek same-day assessment for new flashes, a curtain effect or a rapid change in floaters.
Myth 15: Sugar Only Affects Eyes If You Already Have Diabetes
The truth: Poor metabolic health raises long-term risk for vascular changes that affect the eye. For people with diabetes, blood sugar control is central to protecting sight.
What to do: Keep regular general health checks, follow medical advice on diet and activity, and attend scheduled retinal screenings.
When To Seek Care Fast
- Sudden vision loss or a dim curtain in one eye
- Painful red eye, light sensitivity or severe headache with blurred vision
- Chemical splash or metal in the eye
- New flashes, many floaters or side vision loss
These symptoms need urgent review to rule out conditions that can threaten sight.
Everyday Habits That Actually Help
- Regular eye exams tailored to your risk profile
- UV protection outdoors
- Healthy diet and activity that support vascular health
- Screen breaks with steady hydration and room lighting
- Care with contact lens hygiene and make-up around the lids
Small, steady habits do more than any quick fix.
Book Pacific Eye Clinic — Ophthalmologist on the Gold Coast
Pacific Eye Clinic provides specialist care across routine checks, urgent assessments and surgical management. If you are looking for an ophthalmologist on the Gold Coast, visit https://pacificeyeclinic.com.au/ to book. Bring your questions, your current glasses and a brief symptom history, and we will give you clear guidance based on your needs.
Author
Dr Marc Wei
Dr. Marc Wei is the principal specialist laser and cataract surgeon at Pacific Eye Clinic in Southport on the Gold Coast. He has 20 years of trusted experience in advanced laser cataract surgery and has completed more than 15,000 procedures over the course of his career.
