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Blue light blocking glasses claim to prevent eye strain, but studies have shown they don’t alleviate symptoms.
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You may have seen advertisements claiming that vision therapy or vision training (basically eye exercises) can eliminate the need for glasses.
These exercises include “training” your eyes by applying pressure to them, covering your eyes with your palms, eye movement exercises, and squinting while reading with the wrong prescription glasses.
As As a professor of ophthalmology and an ophthalmologist Having worked with thousands of patients, I can say that studies to date have not shown convincing evidence that these exercises eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Bringing big benefits in the long term.Science Simply does not exist.
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The lack of evidence applies to almost every eye condition or disease, including common illnesses. Myopia, etc.In other words, myopia refers to a condition in which close objects are clearly visible, but distant objects appear blurry. The same is true for hyperopia. Also called farsightedness This happens when distant objects appear clear, but close objects appear blurry. These eye exercises can also help Help for presbyopiathe time when you will need reading glasses, which typically begins around age 40.
Patients with presbyopia are neither nearsighted nor farsighted and do not need glasses to see at a distance. However, over time, the lens of the eye hardens, causing them to have a hard time focusing on small or fine print. This decline continues as we age, increasing the need for stronger reading glasses.
Some methods claim to reduce the need for reading glasses, Limited evidence suggests benefit.
That being said, there are some things everyone can do to maintain healthy eyes.
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All children Basic Eye Examination for Infants They should then be examined again between 6 and 12 months of age, a third time between 1 and 3 years of age, and then a more formal check-up between the ages of 3 and 5 to check for any misalignment, eye health, and the need for glasses.
If eye misalignments are not addressed or if glasses are not provided to children who need them, abnormalities in vision development can occur. or amblyopiaI have weak eyesight and squint.
The progression of myopia in children can be slowed by taking breaks and avoiding prolonged exercise. By phone or computer.
Limiting close reading time, including screen time and other times outside of school, may help slow the progression of myopia in children.
Long screen time Causes eye fatigue and drynessWe recommend following the 20-20-20 rule: take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and move 20 feet away from your device. Relax your eyes and focus on blinking. Occasional use of artificial tears, available over the counter from drugstores, may help relieve dry eyes.
Spend more time outdoors Good for the eyesIt correlates with a lower incidence of childhood myopia. One word of warning: Staring directly at the sun, even for a short time, is dangerous. Can cause permanent damage to the retina.
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Blue Light Blockers and Supplements
Advertisements for blue light blocking glasses claim they can prevent headaches and eye strain and improve sleep. However, several studies, including large randomized controlled trials, have shown that blue light blocking lenses Symptoms of eye strain did not changeFurthermore, there is limited evidence that these glasses improve vision. Circadian rhythm.
Beware of supplements or natural remedies that claim to cure any and all eye conditions. These claims are not backed by rigorous scientific evidence and there is no evidence that they improve vision or reduce eye strain. Eye floaters So too are claims that it will eliminate the need for glasses. Essential oils and other topical substances May improve vision.
Omega-3 has been shown to be effective in treating dry eye symptoms. There is no solid evidence that it helpsHowever, this does not discount the many other health benefits.
In one study, Intermediate age-related macular degeneration The progression of the disease slowed in some patients after they started using over-the-counter vitamins, specifically the AREDS2 combination, but these vitamins were not effective in patients with early symptoms of the disease or in those with no symptoms.
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Eye conditions for which vision therapy may be recommended include misalignment of the eyes or problems converging on nearby objects, which can cause symptoms such as: Diplopia, or “double vision”Ultimately, these symptoms are best addressed by an eye doctor and are not related to the need for reading or distance glasses.
For overall eye health, a diet rich in vegetables and other healthy foods may be helpful. Reduce the incidence of some eye diseasesSome studies have also shown that exercise is associated with a reduced risk of: Develop glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration.
Smoking is associated with several eye diseases. Including age-related macular degenerationTherefore, it is important to quit or avoid smoking.
Finally, avoid rubbing your eyes as this can cause more irritation. Removing your makeup at night can help minimize eyelid irritation. Do not sleep with your contact lenses in This can lead to corneal infections and other conditions that can impair vision.
Benjamin Botsford is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. Botsford does not work for, consult for, own stock in, or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond his academic appointment.
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