There are many commonly held beliefs regarding vision. Unfortunately, many of these are more myth than fact. It’s important to understand the truth about many of these myths. Below we will debunk 6 of the most common myths related to vision.
Myth: Sitting too close to the TV will damage your eyes.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence that sitting too close to the TV will damage your eyes. While sitting close to the TV or staring at a computer screen for prolonged periods of time can result in eye fatigue, you can correct this by giving your eyes a rest from the screen.
However, if you feel that you need to sit close to the TV in order to see it clearly, it may be a sign that you are nearsighted and might benefit from glasses. If you prefer to avoid the hassles of glasses and contact lenses, you may want to consider LASIK to restore clear vision.
Myth: Reading in the dark will cause your vision to deteriorate.
Fact: It is certainly more challenging to read in the dark, but it won’t cause any damage to your eyes. However, reading in the dark may result in eye fatigue and cause you to develop a headache. To avoid these issues, it’s best to read under proper lighting conditions.
Myth: The more you wear glasses, the more your eyes become dependent on them.
Fact: You’re wearing glasses for a reason – because you need them to correct refractive errors in your vision that cause objects to appear blurry. Wearing your glasses on a regular basis will help you to see more clearly. It won’t change your eyes and cause them to be dependent on glasses. Ideally, it’s best to wear your glasses so that you can enjoy the best possible vision.
Myth: Eating carrots will improve your vision.
Fact: Carrots are a rich source of vitamin A, which promotes eye health. However, eating a large quantity of carrots won’t have any impact on your vision.
Myth: You only need to get your eyes examined if you’re experiencing vision issues.
Fact: Regular eye exams are important for everyone, especially as you get older. Many age-related vision issues such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration are more effectively treated if they are diagnosed in their early stages, and regular eye exams are the only way to ensure these issues are detected promptly.
If you have refractive vision errors and need glasses, you should go for a regular eye exam every year to make sure your prescription stays up-to-date. Even if you have healthy eyes, it’s important to schedule an eye exam once a year after the age of 40 in order to screen for the onset of age-related vision conditions.
Myth: Children with crossed-eyes will grow out of the problem as they get older.
Fact: If you have crossed-eyes, it’s a sign that you suffer from a condition called strabismus. The only way to correct strabismus is to use eye patches, glasses or surgical techniques. Best results are achieved when you correct the condition in a timely manner.
Dr. Chris Walton offers a wide range of services to help correct vision issues. You can learn about your vision correction options and receive individualized treatment recommendations by speaking to Dr. Walton in person.
Please contact Dr. Chris Walton using the form on this page or call 251-341-3385 today to schedule a free consultation. We serve patients in Mobile, Alabama and throughout the Gulf Coast region.