Does sitting too close to the TV really ruin your eyes?

Not according to experts. In fact, children can focus up close without eyestrain better than adults.

That is because the lens, which changes its focus for nearby and faraway viewing, tends to lose some of its flexibility as people grow older.

Usually, sitting very close to the television set is a habit that children grow out of. However, sitting close to the screen to get a clearer image may be a symptom of uncorrected nearsightedness, and children who persist in doing it should be tested for myopia.

A lot of the traditional parental warnings about ruining your sight are only partly valid, according to ophthalmologists. For example, reading in dim light may tire your eyes, but it will not damage them.

Eye fatigue is a risk when reading in dim light and when using a computer screen for long periods, but it is reversible and preventable with commonsense measures such as accurately ground corrective lenses designed for the distance at which they will be used and sufficient blinking to lubricate dry eyes.

Regular breaks to look up or across the room are strongly recommended, because looking at objects farther away usually relieves the strain on eyes.

If vision blurs or eyes tire very easily, it is time to get an eye examination from an ophthalmologist.