Myths About Your Eyes

Fact and fiction, need to be separated especially when we are talking about eyesight. Our eye is such an important organ for us. We must not take issues concerning eye health lightly and we can't afford to make any serious mistake. Let's look at the truth of some common myths.

Sitting too close to TV
There is no evidence that sitting too close to TV will damage eyesight. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) says that kids actually focus up close without eyestrain better than adults. This may explain why kids tend to sit close to TV habitually. However, This may also indicate a child is having nearsighted if he tend to do so.

Glasses or contact lens will weaken eyesight
Totally not true. The eyesight may change over time due to aging or diseases, but not because of wearing glasses. Or you may feel your eyesight "weaken" after getting use to wear glasses for couple of months, and when you remove them, you feel your naked eyesight is not as good as before you start wearing glasses. This is merely the matter of get use to, rather than eyesight change.

Switch on nightlight causes nearsighted
No evidence in support of this claim.

Reading in the dark will weaken eyesight
This is not true. It may only cause eye fatigue which is not harmful and will not cause eyesight damage.

Some eye exercises can improve vision
Not true. Looking around at your world is all that necessary to keep the eye muscles "toned". exercise your eyes around our eye massage or focusing exercises have no effect on your eyesight.

Wearing poorly fit glasses damage eyesight
Not true. But you need a right prescription to see clearly.

Vision improve as people with glasses get older
There is a phenomenon where some people see better as age advances. Especially up-close. But this is not due to any vision improvement. The reason is that the lens power changes due to increase cataract.

No harm looking at sun with sun-glasses
The sun's ultra-violet will still get through and damage the cornea, lens and retina.It may also cause permanent eye damage. UV exposure has been linked to eye disorders such as macular degeneration, solar retinitis and corneal dystrophies.

Using artificial sweeteners will cause eyes more sensitive to light
True. artificial sweeteners like cyclamates, as well as other factors such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives, hypertension medications, diuretics and diabetic medications will make your eyes more sensitive to light.

Eating carrot will improve eyesight
True. Carrot is high in vitamin A which is essential for good vision. But the good sources for vitamin A is not limited to carrot alone. Milk, egg yolk, liver, asparagus, apricot are also rich in vitamin A. In fact only a small amount is good enough for good vision. Eating large amounts of vitamin A or other vitamins can be harmful.