In recent years, the notion that looking at green can protect eyesight has been widely disseminated in society.

Many people believe that gazing at green for extended periods can alleviate eye fatigue and even enhance vision.

But is there any scientific evidence to support this belief?

How the Eyes Perceive Color

To understand whether looking at green can protect eyesight, we first need to comprehend how the eyes perceive color. Human eyes contain cone cells responsible for detecting color.

These cells are divided into three types, each most sensitive to one of three colors: red, green, and blue. These cone cells work in unison to enable us to see a full spectrum of colors. Greenlight, with a wavelength of approximately 520 to 570 nanometers, falls in the middle of the visible spectrum.

Green and Eye Fatigue

Prolonged screen time or engaging in detailed tasks like reading or painting can easily lead to eye fatigue. Symptoms of eye fatigue include dry eyes, soreness, and blurred vision.

Some believe that looking at green can relieve these symptoms. This belief is based on the idea that green light, being in the middle of the visible spectrum, requires minimal adjustment by the eyes, thereby making them feel more comfortable.

However, scientific research indicates that the key to relieving eye fatigue lies not in focusing on a specific color but in allowing the eyes to rest adequately. Prolonged focus on nearby objects causes continuous tension in the eye muscles, leading to fatigue.

To alleviate eye fatigue, it is essential to look at distant objects and relax the eye muscles. While green light might feel comfortable, it is not the sole solution for eye fatigue.

The Protective Effect of Green on Vision

The belief that looking at green can protect vision is a common misconception. There is no scientific evidence supporting the claim that merely looking green can significantly improve vision or prevent vision loss.

Vision quality is influenced by various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and eye hygiene. Improper long-term eye use, such as prolonged close-up work, lack of outdoor activities, and reading in poor lighting, can contribute to vision problems.

To protect vision, it is crucial to adopt healthy eye habits. Experts recommend resting the eyes for 10 minutes every 40 minutes of work or study and looking at distant objects to relax the eye muscles.

Additionally, maintaining good lighting conditions, avoiding prolonged use of electronic devices, and having regular eye check-ups are effective measures for protecting vision.

Green and Mental Health

Although looking at green does not directly protect eyesight, studies have shown that green environments positively impact mental health.

Natural landscapes, such as tree-lined parks, meadows, and forests, can help alleviate stress and improve mood. Green symbolizes life and hope, bringing a sense of calm and comfort.

Tips for Healthy Eye Habits

1. Regular Rest: Follow the "20-20-20" rule. Every 20 minutes of work, look at something 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for 20 seconds to relax the eye muscles.

2. Good Lighting: Ensure that your work and study environment is well-lit. Avoid using your eyes in excessively dark or bright environments.

3. Maintain Distance: When using electronic devices, keep the screen 40-60 cm away from your eyes and slightly below eye level.

4. Outdoor Activities: Increase the time spent outdoors and expose your eyes to natural light to help prevent myopia.

5. Balanced Diet: Consume foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, such as carrots, spinach, and blueberries, to maintain eye health.

The belief that looking at green can protect eyesight is not entirely accurate. While green light might make the eyes feel more comfortable, the primary strategy for relieving eye fatigue is allowing the eyes to rest adequately.

Protecting vision requires a comprehensive approach, including developing healthy eye habits, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and ensuring proper eye care.