In our digital age, eye care advice is everywhere: reels promising that one oil will reverse dry eyes, posts claiming that blue-light glasses are a must for all screen users, and viral “eye detox hacks” circulating with charisma but little science. According to Sightsavers India, much of the eye-health content on social media is created by non-experts, lacks professional review, and spreads fast thanks to algorithmic favouritism and emotional hooks.

At Nellikka.life, we believe that your eyes deserve clear facts, not a blur of trends. In this blog, we breakdown how to evaluate eye-care claims online, the most common myths in circulation, what the evidence really shows, and how you can adopt safe, effective habits grounded in science.

1. Why Misinformation Spreads in Eye Health

Here’s why questionable eye-care advice gains traction:

• Viral Appeal: Non-experts create short, enthusiastic videos of “instant results” that get shared widely. nellikka.life notes that “engaging content” overpowers accuracy.
• Algorithm Bias: Social platforms often prioritise engagement over fact-checking, allowing sensational claims (e.g., “rinse your eyes with this oil and never use drops”) to proliferate.
• Low Health Literacy: Many users lack sufficient background to question claims, making them vulnerable to oversimplified or erroneous advice.
• Evidence Gap in Screen-Age Eye Issues: As screen use skyrockets, new problems like digital eye strain (also known as computer vision syndrome) have outpaced public understanding, creating grey zones where myths thrive.

Understanding this helps you approach eye-health content with caution rather than passive acceptance.

2. Common Eye-Health Myths & What the Evidence Shows

Myth A: Blue-light glasses protect your retinas & prevent digital eye strain
Many posts claim that wearing blue-light-filtering lenses while using screens will prevent eye disease and strain. But systematic reviews show little to no clinically meaningful benefit for the general user. For example, a systematic review found that blue-light filtering lenses “may not attenuate symptoms of eye strain with computer use.”
What to know instead:

• Screen-related discomfort is more likely due to reduced blinking, prolonged near-work focus, improper lighting, and glare — not blue light alone.
• A practical strategy: follow ergonomic practices (screen distance, lighting), blink frequently, and take regular breaks (see section 4).
• Wearing blue-light glasses is not harmful, but should not be treated as the one solution.

Myth B: Oil or home-remedy drops are safe for all eye conditions
Social-media videos often recommend applying oils (like castor oil) or DIY mixtures to the eye without distinguishing condition or safety. Sightsavers warns that such practices can be “extremely hazardous … can cause irritation, infections or even permanent vision loss.”
What to know instead:

• The eye surface (cornea, conjunctiva) is delicate: impurities or non-sterile substances can breach the barrier and introduce infection or damage.
• Always use only sterile ophthalmic-grade drops or those prescribed by an eye-care professional.
• Home remedies might provide symptomatic relief for dryness or fatigue, but should not replace medical evaluation when symptoms persist, worsen, or include pain/redness/discharge.

Myth C: One app or product can fix all “screen-eye” problems
Many devices or apps promise to eliminate eye strain, fatigue, or dryness simply by filtering light or adjusting screen settings. But the root causes are behavioural and environmental, not purely technological. For example, the “20-20-20 rule” (look 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds) is widely endorsed, but some recent studies note that evidence for its effectiveness is mixed.
What to know instead:

• Breaks are helpful and likely beneficial, but there’s no silver-bullet product. The strategy should be multi-faceted: posture, breaks, blink rate, lighting, screen distance.
• If symptoms persist, underlying issues such as dry eye disease, uncorrected vision errors, or eyelid disorders must be assessed.

3. How to Vet Eye-Health Advice Online

When you encounter eye-care advice (via reels, posts, blogs, etc.), run through this quick check:

• Source credentials: Is the author a qualified ophthalmologist/optometrist affiliated with a recognised institution?
• Evidence cited: Are claims backed by peer-reviewed studies or provide references?
• Safety & scope: Does it clarify condition-specific relevance (e.g., “for me” vs “for everyone”)?
• Sensational language: Claims like “erase wrinkles from your eyes overnight” or “cure glaucoma with this oil” are red flags.
• Call to action: Does it encourage seeing a professional if symptoms persist? Sightsavers emphasises the danger of delayed care.

By being a thoughtful consumer of content, you protect your eyes and your trust in credible care.

4. Smart, Proven Visual-Wellness Habits

Here’s a science-backed toolkit you can incorporate today:

• Blink often: While using screens, you blink less — causing tear-film disruption and dryness.
• Take regular breaks: For example, after 20–30 minutes of near work, look into the distance for 20–30 seconds. While the 20-20-20 rule has limited high-quality evidence, taking any frequent break improves comfort and reduces fatigue.
• Optimize lighting & contrast: Minimise screen glare, ensure ambient lighting, use appropriate screen brightness.
• Correct screen/reading distance: Keep the screen about an arm’s length away (approx. 50–70 cm) and slightly below eye level.
• Hydration & environment: Ensure your room is humidified (dry air irritates eyes), and stay hydrated to support tear production.
• Visit an eye-care professional if you notice: persistent redness, pain, watering, blurred vision, frequent infections, or “floaters” in the vision.

5. Why This Matters More Now Than Ever

• Massive screen exposure: With remote work, e-learning, and mobile-first lifestyles, our eyes are under unprecedented strain. For instance, digital eye strain prevalence among screen-users is rising.
• Misinformation ecosystem: As Sightsavers India notes, eye-health content online is increasingly unregulated, easing the spread of unsound remedies.
• Potential for harm: Following unverified advice may delay needed care — in eye health, delay can mean worsened vision or avoidable complications.
• Preventive potential: Many visual issues can be managed early if seen by professionals; being misled online could reduce the chance of early intervention.

6. Final Thoughts: Eye Wisdom in the Digital Age

Your eyes are priceless — they connect you to the world around you. In a time when screens dominate and viral tricks circulate, being wise about your eye-care choices is more important than ever.

When you next scroll through social-media advice about “miracle drops” or “screen-reset hacks,” remember:

“Your sight deserves evidence — not just likes.”

At Nellikka.life, we encourage you to approach eye-care trends critically, adopt proven habits, and consult qualified professionals when in doubt. Because only clear vision begins with clear choices.

References:

• Sightsavers India. Truth vs. Trends: Protecting Your Eyes from Social Media Misinformation. May 2025.
• Domínguez-Salgado LA et al. Is the blue light filter for spectacles helpful in improving ocular health? Rev Mex Oftalmol. 2020;94:19.33.
• Talens-Estarelles C et al. The effects of breaks on digital eye strain, dry … 2023.
• Johnson S. 20-20-20 rule: Are these numbers Justified? 2023.