True or False: Do Your Eyes Need to “Breathe”?

You have probably heard at some point that eyes need to “breathe” in order to deliver clear vision. But is this actually true, or just another baseless myth about health and wellness? The premier eye doctor in the area, Vienna Eyecare Center, offers a quick and decisive answer:

Yes, Eyes Do Actually Need to Breathe

Oxygen is crucial to every part of the human body, and the eyes are no exception. The eyes need a sufficient amount of oxygen to work properly. If the eyes don’t have sufficient oxygen, these problems may develop:

• Hazy Vision. Does everything look cloudy or hazy to you? Your eyes might not be getting the right amount of oxygen.
• Red Eyes. Those whose eyes lack oxygen may notice redness in their eyes. Check the white part of your eyes for red, spidery veins.
• Eye Discomfort. Irritation and even slight eye pain is a common indication that your eyes do not have enough oxygen to “breathe”.

Make sure to consult your trusted optometrist immediately if you are experiencing all of these symptoms. When left unchecked, the lack of oxygen in the eyes can lead to optical damage, such as warpage in the cornea or even corneal ulceration. 

Ensuring Your Eyes Have the Right Amount of Oxygen

People wearing contact lenses are more at risk of this issue. That is because contact lenses serve as a covering that restricts the amount of oxygen the eyes receive, making it difficult for them to breathe. But the good news is that this problem is easy enough to avoid. Just make sure to:

• Wear the contacts properly.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses overnight.
• Keep the contact lenses clean with the appropriate solution.
• Change the contact lenses regularly, and swap them for new ones when necessary.

Schedule Your Eye Consultation

From high-quality eyeglasses and contact lenses, to advanced eyecare treatments and solutions, Vienna Eyecare Center has you covered. Achieving perfect and healthy vision is worry-free when you turn to us for your eye health needs. We proudly serve the areas in and around Vienna, Median and McLean, VA. Call us today at (703) 938-7633 or fill out this contact form to schedule your appointment.