schema:text
| - Last Updated on May 31, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
According to a social media post, splashing water in the eyes increases eyesight. It is a suggested practice for improving eyesight. Upon conducting a fact-check, we discovered that this assertion is False.
The Claim
An Instagram post shows an image suggesting that filling the mouth with water, opening the eyes, and splashing clean water in the eyes after getting up in the morning can increase eyesight.
We have attached the screenshot of the post below:
Fact Check
What causes the loss of vision?
According to the World Health Organization, there are various reasons for vision problems worldwide. Some of these include issues like ageing, cataracts, diabetes-related eye damage, glaucoma, and needing glasses. However, which specific problem is more common varies between countries based on things like how easy it is to get eye care and how much people know about it. For example, in poorer countries, cataracts are more common, while in wealthier countries, glaucoma and ageing-related issues are more common. In children, different countries have different reasons for vision problems, but the need for glasses is a big issue worldwide.
Is it possible to increase eyesight?
To a certain extent. It may not be possible to completely reverse certain eye conditions. But it is possible to improve and maintain good eyesight with proper eye care and certain lifestyle habits. For example, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals may help protect your eyes and improve your vision. Regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking can also benefit your eyes. Additionally, taking regular breaks from screens, wearing protective eyewear when necessary, and visiting an eye doctor for regular check-ups can be beneficial. Taking these step can help detect and address any issues with your vision early on. However, it’s important to note that any improvement in eyesight may depend on the specific condition and individual factors.
Can home remedies like the claim increase eyesight?
Not really. Although there are some home remedies that are claimed to help improve vision impairment, by consuming certain foods or performing eye exercises. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. There is no conclusive evidence that these remedies can improve vision or correct refractive errors. THIP MEDIA has previously debunked that home remedies like drinking human urine improve eyesight.
That being said, there are some natural remedies that have been shown to have beneficial effects on eye health. For example, certain nutrients like vitamin A, lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E have been shown to maintain good eye health. They manage eye health by reducing inflammation, protecting against oxidative damage, and supporting the function of the retina.
Similarly, eye exercises, such as focusing on distant objects or moving the eyes in different directions, may help improve eye muscle strength and coordination. But their impact on actual vision improvement is not clear.
Dr Naveen Gupta, DNB (Ophthalmology) informs, “Differentiating between the terms ‘good for eye health’ and ‘can improve vision’ is important as they often cause confusion. While a healthy diet and lifestyle can help maintain good eye health, they do not necessarily have the ability to improve one’s vision to the extent of reducing eyeglass prescriptions. Making such claims should be avoided. Instead, it is crucial to focus on maintaining good eye health through a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle choices, which can help prevent and manage eye conditions.”
Does splashing water in the eyes increase eyesight?
No evidence confirms that splashing water in the eyes increases eyesight. Splashing water in the eyes might be considered good for refreshing and hydrating the eyes. But it does not directly improve eyesight. While water may provide temporary relief and help cleanse the eyes, its effect on visual acuity or the ability to see clearly is minimal.
Ophthalmologist Dr Aftab Alam says, “Splashing water in eyes don’t increase eyesight. Actually, this practice has its own harmful effects. It may temporarily alleviate symptoms of eye fatigue, redness, or irritation. Also splashing of water removes chemical on eye surface which is needed for tear stability.”
Eyesight, or visual acuity, is determined by the clarity and sharpness of vision. It depends on the proper functioning of various structures within the eye, including the cornea, lens, and retina, as well as the neural pathways that transmit visual information to the brain.
Water alone does not possess the properties or mechanisms to enhance the physiological components of vision. Splashing water in the eyes primarily helps in rinsing away debris, reducing dryness, and providing a soothing sensation, but it does not alter the underlying optical characteristics of the eye or improve visual acuity.
Available scant evidence only suggest that splashing water in the eyes wont increase eyesight. Rather it can do more harm than good.
|