It is only natural that while you are traveling you may face a mild or moderate health issue. Travelers from their practical experience of coming up with ways to alleviate their fellow companions from irritation or pain have created and perpetuated a mental list of health rules that are not always accurate. The same applies for eye care rules.
In this article, we will debunk 4 common eye-related myths among travelers so that you are certain that you follow the instructions and the advice of accredited eye specialists.
Myth 1: Styes are contagious
First of all, stye is a common eye infection caused by bacteria. To be more exact, it is a bump in the eye area, usually in the eyelid, that causes pain, swelling, tearing, soreness and sensitivity.
Although it is important to wash your hands after touching it, styes can’t be spread from one person to another. So you can go on with your traveling schedule without worrying that you will spread the infection to others.
Myth 2: Reading in dim light will damage your vision
If you are one of those people who like reading a book before going to bed, don’t let the myth that reading in the dark will ruin your vision deter you from reading while the rest of your fellow travelers are sleeping. Although reading in dim light can be challenging and tire your eyes faster compared to reading in bright daylight, your vision will not be impacted by your habit of reading in the dark.
Myth 3: You don’t need to visit an eye doctor if you don’t have an eye problem
It is pretty common for people to get a health check before traveling so that they can be sure that they will be fine during the trip, but they skip having their eyes tested. Why do they skip eye examinations? Because they have the false belief that if they don’t face an eye-related problem, then everything must be working alright. Similarly to regular body check-ups, doctors may detect an issue before symptoms are developed. So, don’t forget to book an appointment at your vision clinic in Southampton, and get your eyes tested at least once every two years.
Myth 4: You don’t have to take out your contacts when you’re going for a swim
Although many people go for a swim or take a bath without removing their contacts, eye experts advise people to always take them out when they come in contact with any type of water body. This is because harmful bacteria and particles in the water might be absorbed by the contact lenses. Wearing dirty contacts can cause serious eye infections that might be difficult to treat.