Self Diagnosing Vision Problems and Why It’s a Bad Idea
Businesswoman rubbing her tired eyes
So… suddenly, your eyes have started to bother you.
You are unable to read the small print. Your eyelid is twitching. You are getting headaches. Your eyes feel dry and sore, and your vision can be blurry at times.
It may be a good idea to self-diagnose the signs.
Is it? NO! SELF-EXAMINATION IS NOT A GOOD IDEA.
Self-diagnosis isn’t the resolution to any vision problem, and here are the reasons why.
Marketers of blue-light glasses falsely state that you should wear blue-light glasses when using a digital device all day. We actually get more blue light exposure from sunlight! And those rack glasses can cause even more eye fatigue if the lenses are not good optical standards and are ill-fitting.
If digital overuse is causing vision problems, VISIT YOUR EYE DOCTOR. Do not misdiagnose any symptoms, and start using products that may or may not be suitable for you. You could cause even more harm to your peepers than any good.
For instance, if you have dry eyes or eye fatigue, it is important to know the real reason and get a tailored treatment plan.
It may be as simple as needing eye drops (artificial tears) to moisten the eyes because of a lower blink rate while staring at a computer or looking at a distance of 20 feet every 20 min for at least 20 sec.
In addition, if you buy the wrong kind of artificial tear drops, they can actually make your situation worse. In our climate, a humidifier will add moisture to the air and also can help minimize dry eye.
Usually, blue-light glasses will not help relieve digital eye strain. If you are using digital devices in the evening, these glasses can help alleviate the suppression of melatonin from overexposure to blue light, allowing you to sleep better. There is no scientific evidence that blue light from a computer screen causes digital eye strain or damages the eye.
When using digital devices such as a computer screen, you should sit 18 to 25 inches away or about arm’s length. Adjust screen brightness and contrast so that it feels comfortable and not too much brighter than the room light that you are in. Position the screen, so your eyes gaze slightly downward, not straight ahead or up.
What if all of a sudden, it is difficult to see text on your phone? Rush to a Big Box for reading glasses? BAD IDEA!
Around age 40-42, your near vision starts to deteriorate. Using self-diagnosed add powers in over-the-counter readers can damage your near vision making it worse. Why? Poor quality lenses, incorrect add power, and poor fitting make them uncomfortable and can create eye strain by not properly correcting your vision needs.
It is better to have the health of your eyes checked by an expert and to obtain a proper Rx by scheduling an eye exam today.
Want To Delay Needing Reading Glasses? Put On Your Sunglasses!
It is like training your brain so that you don’t require reading glasses.
Prolonged sun exposure allows its ultraviolet rays and heat (infrared radiation) to cause cellular damage to the eyes, also called “normal” age-related changes. The radiation can also lead to discoloration and thickening of the lens resulting in cataracts.
Sun exposure is also linked to presbyopia or farsightedness. Studies reveal how those living closer to the equator have early onset of presbyopia.
There are numerous solutions if you ever develop an eye problem. But in the meanwhile, why not invest in a high-quality pair of sunglasses and start using them full-time when outdoors. Teach your kids too! Because prevention is the best eye protection.
What about Prescription Reading Glasses?
By the time you are 40, you might start needing reading glasses for close-up work. You might need your readers much earlier if you are particularly into detailed work.
If you notice the need to get prescription reading glasses, please seek professional assistance. Do not blindly buy anything at the local drugstore. Not only can an expert help you with vision correction, but a lot of other concerns that impact your sight.
A baseline eye exam can help you find the right glasses for the right reasons!
There are many benefits of investing in proper prescription reading glasses. Some of these include:
No More On and Off: Unless you wear half-eye readers (Ben Franklin style), you’re likely removing them frequently to see at a distance. Progressive lenses will eliminate this problem.
Tailored To Match Vision Needs: One lens can be made more powerful than the other. Lenses can be ground to correct for astigmatism, an imperfect curvature of the eye.
Custom-Fit: Including nose bridge and temple arms. Your fitter will also ensure the optics in each lens line up with the centers of your eyes. The optics in OTC glasses may be too close together or too wide apart, and the wearer may feel some eye strain or headache.
Different Coatings: Available with special lens coatings to decrease glare and/or resist scratching.
Longer Lasting: Because they are typically of higher quality, and YES, THEY. DO. COST. MORE. BUT HEY, IT’S YOUR ONLY PAIR OF EYES!
Endless Frame Styles: The options are unlimited!!!
A high-quality prescription, whether for reading glasses or a bifocal, will take into account any vision difference between your eyes, which most people have, and correct for it to provide a balanced image from both eyes to your brain.
The bottom line is, self-diagnosing your symptoms can be dangerous. You should always reach out to your doctor if you are having any visual discomfort. Don’t fall for marketing gimmicks and buy things you aren’t supposed to. While it might seem convenient to play the doctor, it is dangerous and counterproductive.
Google contains a vast amount of information. But it often needs more discernment. Besides, there can be a lot of misleading information, or you could misinterpret that knowledge.
