There are many unproven or unscientific beliefs about the eyes. Eyes are priceless; being able to separate fact from fiction can help you safeguard your eyesight.
Myth: Failure to use proper glasses will hurt your eyes.
Fact: This statement does have some truth. Some children have eye problems that can be corrected, so it is important that they wear their glasses. While corrective glasses or contacts are needed to improve eyesight, using your eyes with or without glasses has no effect on eye health.
Myth: Doing eye exercises will delay the need for glasses.
Fact: Eye exercises will not improve or preserve your eyesight. Your vision depends on many factors, including the shape of your eye and the health of the eye tissues, none of which can be significantly altered with eye exercises.
Myth: Reading in poor light or prolonged reading of very fine print will ultimately harm your vision.
Fact: Reading in dim light may cause your eyes to feel tired or uncomfortable, but it doesn’t hurt your eyes. Similarly, reading small print or reading extensively cannot cause damage to your eyes. This is true even for people who already have poor vision. Eyes, like the rest of your body, are meant to be used.
Myth: Eating carrots is good for the eyes.
Fact: Carrots, which contain vitamin A, are one of several vegetables that are good for the eyes, but they cannot correct basic vision problems such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. It’s best not to rely on anyone’s food or supplement to protect or preserve your eyesight. Lead a healthy lifestyle for overall well-being.
Myth: Smoking can cause cancer but it is not harmful to your eyes.
Fact: Smoking increases the risk of several eye disorders, including age-related macular degeneration.
Myth: Staring at the computer screen all day will ruin your eyes.
Fact: Staring at a computer screen all day does not harm your eyes but it can cause eyestrain or tired eyes. Adjust the display for brightness so it doesn’t create a glare. Rest your eyes briefly every hour or so to lessen eye fatigue. Also, make a conscious effort to blink regularly so that the eyes do not dry out and stay well lubricated.
Myth: A cataract should be “ripe” before it is removed.
Fact: A cataract is said to exist when the lens of the eye becomes opaque. When the lens becomes completely opaque, the cataract is said to have become “ripe.” A cataract should be removed surgically when it begins to impair your activities; you don’t have to wait until the lens becomes totally opaque.
Myth: Once you’re diagnosed with glaucoma you are bound to become blind.
Fact: This is certainly not true if glaucoma is detected and treated early. Normal vision can be retained with regular use of prescribed medications. Glaucoma, however, remains a major cause of blindness in Canada, which is mainly because glaucoma is often symptom-free until late in the progression of the disease. It’s of paramount importance to get your eyes examined regularly by an optometrist to safeguard your sight.
