9 Eye Myths Explained by an Eye Doctor

Curious about the health of your eyes? Continue reading to learn an eye doctor's perspective on common myths about eye health. There are many myths about eye health and vision, so knowing the actual facts can help a patient get the proper treatment needed for optimum eye health.

9 Common eye myths explained by an eye doctor

Here are some common misconceptions about vision and eye health, as well as the truth for each myth as explained by an eye doctor:

Myth 1: People’s eyes are full-size when they are born

The fact is that eyes are proportionally sized throughout a person’s life, from birth to old age. The changing size of the eye can explain why changes in vision occur from time to time.

Myth 2: A brown-eyed child cannot be born to two blue-eyed parents

In truth, brown eyes are a dominant genetic trait and can show up in any generation, including as the child of two blue-eyed parents, although it is less common than when one parent has dark eyes.

Myth 3: For improved vision, eat lots of carrots

While eating carrots can improve health in many ways, the vitamin A in carrots is no better for eye health than the vitamin A that exists in other foods, such as milk, apricots, liver, spinach, or broccoli, to name a few.

Myth 4: Reading in low light or using a computer for an extended time is harmful to the eyes

Long stints on the computer will not affect vision or overall eye health. When a person is concentrating on a screen, whether a computer, tablet, phone, or other devices, or reading for long periods, the eyes tend to blink less, which can cause dry eyes. Taking a break occasionally can help prevent fatigue and eyestrain. Using moisturizing eye drops can also help make the eyes more comfortable.

Myth 5: If someone crosses their eyes often, they will stay that way

Eye muscles are resilient and will not stay crossed, although if eyes are crossing involuntarily, a checkup should be scheduled with an eye doctor right away to check for underlying problems.

Myth 6: You don't need an eye exam unless problems exist

The fact is that regular eye exams can catch problems early on when intervention and treatment can make a difference in eye conditions. Eyesight can degrade over time, sometimes slowly enough as to be unnoticeable. Eye exams can diagnose vision changes and make eyesight more comfortable.

Obviously, there are many untrue ideas about vision and eye health that can prevent a person from seeking the necessary care. People might also worry when changes occur not realizing that many are changes expected with age, but that can still require attention. An experienced eye doctor can sort things out.

Myth 7: Eye problems are to blame for many learning impairments

Reading, math, and comprehension difficulties are all signs that a kid may have a learning impairment. No link has been found between eye issues and learning difficulties. Eye exercises do not help with learning difficulties, since they result from a malfunction in the brain's ability to comprehend what it perceives. Poor eyesight might be misinterpreted as a learning disability in certain people. Some people may have difficulty reading because the text seems hazy. If a child has been diagnosed as having a learning disorder, a learning expert and an eye care practitioner can determine whether there are any visual issues.

Myth 8: Sitting too close to the TV can affect children's eyes

Children's eyesight is better suited for close distances than adults. Studies have shown that a child's eyesight is not harmed by sitting too near to the screen, nor does reading a book held extremely near to the face. As children become older, they tend to cease this habit. However, children with nearsightedness may have to sit close to the television to view the images well. Regular eye examinations for children are recommended to detect any vision issues early on.

Myth 9: The wrong eyeglasses might hurt your vision

The purpose of wearing eyeglasses is to improve your eyesight. Wearing eyeglasses that do not fit properly will not harm your vision. However, eye strain is possible. The eyes may become sore and the vision may be hazy. A headache is another possibility, but taking off the glasses can help. In most cases, it is only irritating to have the incorrect prescription lenses for your eyeglasses.

The bottom line

Getting regular checkups from an eye doctor and receiving proper treatment can help maintain optimum eye health and vision. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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