Eye care myths

There is no shortage of information on eye care. But everything you hear or read may not be accurate. There are longstanding myths out there about everything from improving vision to things that harm your eyes.

Separating fact from myth is helpful in understanding how best to maintain eye health. The more you know, the better you can take care of your eyes and maintain good vision. Below are seven common eye care myths. 

Myth: You only need an eye exam if you have vision problems.

Fact: Eye exams are for anyone, regardless of whether you have vision problems. Regular eye exams help your doctor spot any problems before they become severe. Also, some diseases do not cause symptoms until they have become advanced. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends having a baseline eye exam by age 40. This is important even if you do not have any vision problems.  

Myth: Reading in dim light is bad for your eyes. 

Fact: Reading in dim light does not damage your eyes, but you may not want to make a habit of it. Reading in dim light may increase eye strain, which can lead to sore tired eyes. The bottom line is better lighting makes it easier on your eyes.

Myth: Carrots improve vision.

Fact: Although it is a longstanding myth, carrots do not improve vision. What carrots do is provide a source of vitamin A. Vitamin A is one nutrient that helps you maintain healthy vision, but there are several good sources of vitamin A, such as fish, dairy, and leafy greens. Also, eating more foods containing vitamin A will not improve poor eyesight. 

Myth: Only males develop colorblindness. 

Fact: Colorblindness involves difficulty seeing certain colors. Usually, people that are colorblind have trouble distinguishing between blue, green, and red. The condition does occur more often in males, but it can develop in females. In most cases, someone is born with colorblindness. Less often, colorblindness can develop due to trauma to the eye, such as damage to the optic nerve. 

Myth: Eyeglasses can make your eyes weak. 

Fact: Wearing eyeglasses does not weaken your eyes. Eyeglasses correct a few different vision problems, such as farsightedness, astigmatism, and nearsightedness. Wearing glasses can solve these vision problems without causing any weakness in the eyes.  

Myth: Sitting too close to the television can harm your eyes. 

Fact: Many of us may have heard this myth as children. Sitting close to the TV does not damage the eyes, but it may cause headaches or eye strain similar to staring at any digital device. If you have a child that often sits close to the TV, it could just be a habit, but it may also signal that he/she is nearsighted. Watch for other behavior, such as holding a book close to the eyes when reading.

Myth: Vision loss is part of aging.

Fact: Some changes in vision are a natural part of aging, but vision loss is not inevitable. Certain eye diseases and conditions are more likely to occur as we get older, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle as we age, such as not smoking, exercising, and getting regular eye exams, can help slow or prevent certain diseases that may threaten vision.

We hope we helped you distinguish between eye care myths and facts. If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600. Thank you for reading.