Does reading in the dark or sitting too close to the TV damage your eyes? Or do carrots give you superior vision?

Here is a look at what’s fact and what’s fiction.

“Good vision is vital to the quality of life, but far too many fall for myths that can lead to neglect or unnecessary worry,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

“Whether it’s about screen time, reading habits, or food, it’s important to know the truth so you can take proper care of your eyes.”

MYTH 1: Reading in dim light will ruin your eyes.

FACT: While reading in low light may cause temporary eye strain and fatigue, it does not cause permanent damage to your vision.

MYTH 2: Carrots are the best food for eyesight.

FACT: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, which is important for night vision. However, for overall eye health, a varied diet that includes leafy greens, citrus fruits, oily fish, and eggs offers broader nutritional benefits.

MYTH 3: Wearing glasses weakens your eyes.

FACT: Glasses does not weaken your vision. They correct refractive errors, such as near-sightedness or far-sightedness, allowing for clearer vision. Any changes in vision over time are typically due to the natural progression of ageing rather than the wearing of glasses.

MYTH 4: Too much screen time causes permanent eye damage

FACT: Long hours on digital devices can lead to digital eye strain – with symptoms including dry eyes, headaches, and blurry vision – but it doesn’t cause lasting damage. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

MYTH 5: You only need an eye test if you have vision problems.

FACT: Routine eye exams can detect issues such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and high blood pressure long before you notice symptoms. Regular screenings help catch silent conditions early, even if your eyesight feels normal.

Are you doing enough to protect your sight?

Access to eye care has improved, but many people still delay check-ups. Skipping routine vision screenings can allow problems to worsen unnoticed, impacting daily life, safety, and well-being. This is especially critical for children who may struggle in school due to uncorrected vision issues and older adults who are at higher risk of serious eye diseases.

Eye Care Tips That Work

• Get a comprehensive eye exam every 1–2 years.
• Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection.
• Take regular screen breaks (every 20 minutes).
• Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
• Clean your glasses and contact lenses regularly to maintain clear vision.
• Eat foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamin A.

The post Myths on eye care busted appeared first on Weskus Nuus.

The rugby season has kicked off in schools across South Africa and players, parents, coaches and referees are preparing for exciting, yet physically demanding matches.

Rugby, inherently a contact sport, carries the inevitable risk of head injuries, ranging from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.

The importance of early detection

The early detection of head injuries is essential for effective treatment and preventing further complications.

In many cases, the symptoms of a concussion or traumatic brain injuries may not be immediately apparent and athletes may continue playing which can lead to further damage.

Accurate diagnosis and management of head injuries require a combination of clinical evaluation and advanced imaging techniques, according to Dr Hofmeyr Viljoen, a radiologist at SCP Radiology.

Understanding head injuries in rugby

Viljoen says there are several types of head injuries common in rugby.

“The most frequent is concussion, a mild traumatic brain injury occurring when the brain is jolted inside the skull from an impact or violent movement,” he says.

“Concussions can be mild or lead to significant short and long-term issues. Occasionally, with more severe injuries we see skull fractures, contusions and haemorrhage surrounding the brain. These require urgent diagnosis and management.”

Concussion symptoms, include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory problems, sensitivity to light and difficulty concentrating.

“Immediate recognition is vital,” Viljoen emphasizes. “A player with any of these symptoms must be removed from play immediately to prevent further injury.”

The role of radiology

Radiology plays an essential part in accurately diagnosing the extent of head injuries. According to Viljoen, computed tomography (CT) scans are always the first imaging method used in emergency settings.

Although patients with concussion typically do not have significant imaging findings, it is crucial to image those patients with severe concussion or atypical symptoms.

“CT scans rapidly detect serious issues like fractures, brain swelling and bleeding, providing crucial information for urgent treatment decisions,” he explains.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used in situations requiring more detailed evaluation, particularly when concussion symptoms persist or worsen.

“MRI excels in identifying subtle injuries, such as microbleeds and brain swelling, often missed by CT scans,” says Viljoen.

Unlike CT scans, MRI does not use radiation, making it a safer option for repeated assessments over time.

Emerging imaging techniques, such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), show promise for better understanding and management of head injuries, especially the subtle effects of concussions.

“DTI helps identify damage to the brain’s white matter, potentially guiding return-to-play decisions and treatment strategies,” notes Viljoen.

Understanding possible complications

Second Impact Syndrome (SIS) is a rare but extremely serious condition that occurs when a person sustains a second concussion before fully recovering from an initial concussion.

This second injury doesn’t have to be severe to trigger SIS – it can even be minor – but it causes rapid and severe brain swelling (cerebral oedema).

The brain’s ability to regulate its blood flow and pressure is compromised following the initial concussion, making it vulnerable to catastrophic swelling after a subsequent impact. Symptoms can escalate quickly, often within minutes.

SIS symptoms include loss of consciousness, severe headache, dilated pupils, respiratory failure and even death.

Young athletes are especially vulnerable to SIS. Due to its rapid progression and severity, SIS is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.

Preventing SIS involves strictly adhering to concussion management protocols, ensuring full recovery after any head injury and carefully monitoring symptoms before returning to sports or high-risk activities.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

Viljoen says CTE is a long-term degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head impacts.

“CTE is challenging because currently, it can only be definitively diagnosed after death.  However, ongoing research aims to develop methods to detect CTE in living patients, potentially using advanced imaging techniques like positron emission tomography (PET).”

Most research is focused on advancing non-invasive methods to see what is happening inside the brain of a living person and to track it over time.

Prevention remains critical

Viljoen emphasises the importance of proper training.

“Educating young players on safe tackling techniques and enforcing protective protocols significantly reduces injury risks. Protective gear like headguards can minimise superficial injuries, though it does not prevent concussions.”

He also stresses the importance of concussion protocols.

“Coaches at schools and clubs must rigorously apply concussion management strategies, ensuring players are adequately assessed and cleared by medical professionals before returning to the field.”

Under-reporting in schoolboy ruby often occurs because the player either wants to stay in the game and/or doesn’t recognise the symptoms of concussion.

“Rugby is a fantastic sport for building teamwork and resilience but player safety must always come first,” says Viljoen.

“Through awareness, timely medical intervention and proper preventative strategies, we can significantly reduce the risk and severity of head injuries, allowing young athletes to safely enjoy the game they love.”

The post Understanding head injuries in rugby: What parents need to know appeared first on Weskus Nuus.

The rugby season has kicked off in schools across South Africa and players, parents, coaches and referees are preparing for exciting, yet physically demanding matches.

Rugby, inherently a contact sport, carries the inevitable risk of head injuries, ranging from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.

The importance of early detection

The early detection of head injuries is essential for effective treatment and preventing further complications.

In many cases, the symptoms of a concussion or traumatic brain injuries may not be immediately apparent and athletes may continue playing which can lead to further damage.

Accurate diagnosis and management of head injuries require a combination of clinical evaluation and advanced imaging techniques, according to Dr Hofmeyr Viljoen, a radiologist at SCP Radiology.

Understanding head injuries in rugby

Viljoen says there are several types of head injuries common in rugby.

“The most frequent is concussion, a mild traumatic brain injury occurring when the brain is jolted inside the skull from an impact or violent movement,” he says.

“Concussions can be mild or lead to significant short and long-term issues. Occasionally, with more severe injuries we see skull fractures, contusions and haemorrhage surrounding the brain. These require urgent diagnosis and management.”

Concussion symptoms, include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory problems, sensitivity to light and difficulty concentrating.

“Immediate recognition is vital,” Viljoen emphasizes. “A player with any of these symptoms must be removed from play immediately to prevent further injury.”

The role of radiology

Radiology plays an essential part in accurately diagnosing the extent of head injuries. According to Viljoen, computed tomography (CT) scans are always the first imaging method used in emergency settings.

Although patients with concussion typically do not have significant imaging findings, it is crucial to image those patients with severe concussion or atypical symptoms.

“CT scans rapidly detect serious issues like fractures, brain swelling and bleeding, providing crucial information for urgent treatment decisions,” he explains.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used in situations requiring more detailed evaluation, particularly when concussion symptoms persist or worsen.

“MRI excels in identifying subtle injuries, such as microbleeds and brain swelling, often missed by CT scans,” says Viljoen.

Unlike CT scans, MRI does not use radiation, making it a safer option for repeated assessments over time.

Emerging imaging techniques, such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), show promise for better understanding and management of head injuries, especially the subtle effects of concussions.

“DTI helps identify damage to the brain’s white matter, potentially guiding return-to-play decisions and treatment strategies,” notes Viljoen.

Understanding possible complications

Second Impact Syndrome (SIS) is a rare but extremely serious condition that occurs when a person sustains a second concussion before fully recovering from an initial concussion.

This second injury doesn’t have to be severe to trigger SIS – it can even be minor – but it causes rapid and severe brain swelling (cerebral oedema).

The brain’s ability to regulate its blood flow and pressure is compromised following the initial concussion, making it vulnerable to catastrophic swelling after a subsequent impact. Symptoms can escalate quickly, often within minutes.

SIS symptoms include loss of consciousness, severe headache, dilated pupils, respiratory failure and even death.

Young athletes are especially vulnerable to SIS. Due to its rapid progression and severity, SIS is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.

Preventing SIS involves strictly adhering to concussion management protocols, ensuring full recovery after any head injury and carefully monitoring symptoms before returning to sports or high-risk activities.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

Viljoen says CTE is a long-term degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head impacts.

“CTE is challenging because currently, it can only be definitively diagnosed after death.  However, ongoing research aims to develop methods to detect CTE in living patients, potentially using advanced imaging techniques like positron emission tomography (PET).”

Most research is focused on advancing non-invasive methods to see what is happening inside the brain of a living person and to track it over time.

Prevention remains critical

Viljoen emphasises the importance of proper training.

“Educating young players on safe tackling techniques and enforcing protective protocols significantly reduces injury risks. Protective gear like headguards can minimise superficial injuries, though it does not prevent concussions.”

He also stresses the importance of concussion protocols.

“Coaches at schools and clubs must rigorously apply concussion management strategies, ensuring players are adequately assessed and cleared by medical professionals before returning to the field.”

Under-reporting in schoolboy ruby often occurs because the player either wants to stay in the game and/or doesn’t recognise the symptoms of concussion.

“Rugby is a fantastic sport for building teamwork and resilience but player safety must always come first,” says Viljoen.

“Through awareness, timely medical intervention and proper preventative strategies, we can significantly reduce the risk and severity of head injuries, allowing young athletes to safely enjoy the game they love.”

The post Understanding head injuries in rugby: What parents need to know appeared first on Weskus Nuus.

South Africa’s influenza season has arrived earlier than expected this year, starting on 24 March, four weeks earlier than last year, and marks the earliest start to the flu season since 2010, based on pneumonia surveillance at public hospitals.
This according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases which, last week, issued a warning urging South Africans to be vaccinated early.
Both it and the World Health Organisation recognise vaccination as the most effective way to prevent flu.
“This early start doesn’t mean that this year’s flu season will be more severe than in previous years, but it does mean that now is the time to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting the flu vaccine,” said spokesperson Vuyo Sabani in a statement to the media last week.
“Although the vaccine is most effective when given before the season starts it is not too late to get vaccinated. Protection develops about two weeks after vaccination, and annual vaccination is needed as flu viruses change over time and protection does not last from one year to the next.”

Symptoms

For most people flu symptoms are mild and resolve in a few days. But for some, influenza can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation, even death.
Those most at risk include pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses or suppressed immune systems, people over 60 and children under 2.
These groups, said Sabani, are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated as soon as possible and seek medical care early if they develop flu symptoms.

‘Particularly fast’

A general practitioner at Netcare Medicross, Dr Michael de Villiers, described the influenza virus as ” … particularly fast, clever and savvy at adapting”, causing it to evolve constantly, developing new strains to evade people’s immunity, which means one can become sick every flu season.
“Every year a new vaccination is typically developed for new and particularly bad flu strains. There are many cold and flu viruses to target and scientists work hard to protect against the most threatening variations. However, it is not yet possible to include protection for all strains in the annual flu vaccine.
“Explained in simple terms, vaccines act as ‘coaches’ that help to prepare the immune system to defend itself quickly from future invasions of a particular virus before it grows in the body and becomes overwhelming. It takes around two weeks to train the immune system to build up the firepower needed to fight off a full attack of the flu quickly.

Recommended every year

“The influenza vaccine is generally recommended every year. Especially for those at risk of severe flu with complications. These include individuals who have challenges with their health, including those with chronic illness, children older than six months, those who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, and people over the age of 60.

“It is important to remember that even if you do not get sick with the flu yourself you can still carry it and pass the infection on to others, leading to wider transmission within communities. Therefore we all have a role in preventing the spread of infection, including through non-pharmaceutical measures such as practising good hand hygiene and staying home when you are ill.”

The post South Africa’s flu season starts early, NICD urges vaccination appeared first on Weskus Nuus.

South Africa’s influenza season has arrived earlier than expected this year, starting on 24 March, four weeks earlier than last year, and marks the earliest start to the flu season since 2010, based on pneumonia surveillance at public hospitals.
This according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases which, last week, issued a warning urging South Africans to be vaccinated early.
Both it and the World Health Organisation recognise vaccination as the most effective way to prevent flu.
“This early start doesn’t mean that this year’s flu season will be more severe than in previous years, but it does mean that now is the time to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting the flu vaccine,” said spokesperson Vuyo Sabani in a statement to the media last week.
“Although the vaccine is most effective when given before the season starts it is not too late to get vaccinated. Protection develops about two weeks after vaccination, and annual vaccination is needed as flu viruses change over time and protection does not last from one year to the next.”

Symptoms

For most people flu symptoms are mild and resolve in a few days. But for some, influenza can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation, even death.
Those most at risk include pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses or suppressed immune systems, people over 60 and children under 2.
These groups, said Sabani, are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated as soon as possible and seek medical care early if they develop flu symptoms.

‘Particularly fast’

A general practitioner at Netcare Medicross, Dr Michael de Villiers, described the influenza virus as ” … particularly fast, clever and savvy at adapting”, causing it to evolve constantly, developing new strains to evade people’s immunity, which means one can become sick every flu season.
“Every year a new vaccination is typically developed for new and particularly bad flu strains. There are many cold and flu viruses to target and scientists work hard to protect against the most threatening variations. However, it is not yet possible to include protection for all strains in the annual flu vaccine.
“Explained in simple terms, vaccines act as ‘coaches’ that help to prepare the immune system to defend itself quickly from future invasions of a particular virus before it grows in the body and becomes overwhelming. It takes around two weeks to train the immune system to build up the firepower needed to fight off a full attack of the flu quickly.

Recommended every year

“The influenza vaccine is generally recommended every year. Especially for those at risk of severe flu with complications. These include individuals who have challenges with their health, including those with chronic illness, children older than six months, those who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, and people over the age of 60.

“It is important to remember that even if you do not get sick with the flu yourself you can still carry it and pass the infection on to others, leading to wider transmission within communities. Therefore we all have a role in preventing the spread of infection, including through non-pharmaceutical measures such as practising good hand hygiene and staying home when you are ill.”

The post South Africa’s flu season starts early, NICD urges vaccination appeared first on Weskus Nuus.