Your Eye Health: Distinguishing Myths from Facts
Has someone ever told you not to cross your eyes because they might get stuck that way? Is there any truth to it? Or don’t sit too close to the television; it will harm your eyes, or never gaze directly at the sun as it could damage your vision! There are countless myths about eyes, but can you tell which are factual and which are not?
Distinguishing between myth and reality is crucial, particularly concerning your eyesight. Understanding proper eye care is the initial step toward safeguarding your vision. At Wise Eyes Optical, we’ve heard many myths through speaking with our patients. Here are some myths about vision and the facts to go along with them.
MYTH: Sitting too close or watching television for too long can damage your eyes.
FACT: Sitting close to the TV might cause eye strain or headaches, but it doesn’t damage your vision. However, consistently sitting close may indicate nearsightedness, suggesting a need for glasses. Often, children sit close to the television not because they need to see it better but because they want to immerse themselves in the experience. There’s no evidence to support the idea that this weakens the eyes. Regular eye exams are recommended to identify any potential vision problems in children.
MYTH: Don’t cross your eyes because they will stay that way.
FACT: The muscles in your eyes allow you to move them in all directions. Moving your eyes left, right, up, or down doesn’t cause them to stay in those positions, and the same is true for crossed eyes. Illness, uncorrected vision, or muscle or nerve damage can be the cause of crossed eyes. If a child’s eyes seem crossed consistently, it’s important to consult an eye doctor. Persistent crossed eyes, known as strabismus, will not resolve without medical intervention.
MYTH: Reading in dim light damages your eyes.
FACT: Reading in dim light does not harm your eyes. Although it may lead to eye strain or a headache, it won’t cause lasting damage. However, adequate lighting can help prevent your eyes from becoming fatigued too quickly and improve your reading experience.
MYTH: Eating carrots will improve your vision.
FACT: It’s true that carrots, along with other vegetables, are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for vision. However, only a small amount is necessary for maintaining good eyesight. A well-balanced diet, whether it includes carrots or not, provides all the necessary nutrients to support eye health. Still, it will not enhance vision or negate the need for glasses or contacts.
MYTH: Artificial sweeteners increase light sensitivity in the eyes.
FACT: Certain artificial sweeteners, such as cyclamates, have been linked to increased eye sensitivity to light. Other substances, including antibiotics, blood pressure medications, diuretics, oral contraceptives, and diabetes medications, can also cause this sensitivity.
MYTH: Wearing glasses or contact lenses all of the time will weaken your eyes.
FACT: Eyeglasses do not deteriorate your eyesight. Certain eye conditions, such as myopia, may progress over time, but this is not due to eyewear. Glasses may make us feel reliant because they significantly improve our vision, so not wearing them makes our natural vision seem much poorer. However, glasses are merely external aids that correct refractive errors. Utilizing glasses does not worsen your vision or cause any eye diseases. It’s important to wear your glasses if you require them for distance or reading to prevent eye strain and to achieve your best possible vision.
MYTH: Looking directly at the sun is harmless to your eyes.
FACT: It is extremely dangerous to look at the sun directly. The intense ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause irreversible damage to the retina, leading to blindness, and are associated with eye conditions such as solar retinitis, corneal dystrophy, and macular degeneration. Regular sunglasses do not offer safe protection for viewing the sun.
For those concerned about daily UV exposure, UV-blocking lenses are an option. Polarized sunglasses provide exceptional glare reduction and protect your eyes from intense UV rays and the sun’s overwhelming brightness. They block most of the sun’s blinding glare, preventing eye strain and fatigue and allowing you to view the world in clear, vibrant, natural colors. Experience the benefits of polarized lenses available at Wise Eyes Optical.
MYTH: Wearing the wrong eyeglasses can damage your eyes.
FACT: Eyeglasses alter the light rays entering your eyes but do not change the eyes themselves. Wearing glasses that are too strong, have the wrong prescription, or belong to someone else won’t harm your eyes. However, they may cause a temporary headache. At worst, the incorrect glasses won’t correct your vision and may cause discomfort due to blurriness, which will cease once you remove the glasses.
MYTH: There isn’t anything you can do to prevent vision loss.
FACT: Over 90% of eye injuries are preventable by following basic safety measures, including selecting the appropriate protective eyewear for the task and wearing it consistently. Regular eye examinations are also vital for preserving your vision. Early detection of vision issues is critical to preventing vision loss due to numerous eye conditions, particularly diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. The professionals at Wise Eyes Optical work closely with our patients to help them stay on top of their eye health. Schedule your next eye exam today by calling us at (717) 242-1915.
MYTH: Eye exams are only necessary if you’re experiencing problems.
FACT: Proper eye healthcare, including regular eye exams, is essential for everyone, regardless of whether they have noticeable symptoms. Children should have their vision tested by six months old, before starting school, and then annually during their school years. Adults should have eye exams as frequently as their doctor recommends, usually every one to two years. Individuals with diabetes or an eye disease should have a yearly comprehensive eye exam. These are just guidelines. Your eye health and collaboration with your eye care team are as individual as your eyes. Your optometrist might recommend an alternate examination schedule that fits your visual needs.
At Wise Eyes Optical, our seasoned eye care professionals are prepared to provide a seamless eye exam experience and assist you in your vision correction journey. Schedule your appointment with the Wise Eyes Optical experts today.
Don’t Put Off Your Eye Exam – Contact Wise Eyes Optical
Your Local Vision Center in Central Pennsylvania
Wise Eyes Optical, your neighborhood vision center, is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal vision for life. We provide comprehensive eye and vision care, including medical eye services, personalized eyeglass and contact lens fittings, eyeglass repairs, and more. For inquiries or further information, contact your closest Wise Eyes Optical location in Central Pennsylvania. For assistance, dial (717) 242-1915.
