8 Myths About Your Eyes Demystified

We have all heard them, these myths about vision! Even the eye is not immune to popular beliefs. Some are harmless, while others can be harmful to the health of your eyes. That is why it is important to demystify these myths and to rely on facts to know the truth. In this post, we will therefore discuss in depth 8 of these ocular myths.

Eat Your Carrots, They Are Good for Your Eyes!

False, but ...

This myth, known to be popular with parents, is partly true. Carrots are an important source of vitamin A and beta-carotene. This vitamin is both essential for the health of the body and good for the eyes. It allows the eye to adapt in dark lighting. Vitamin A deficiency could even cause night blindness. On the other hand, it is wrong to believe that carrots can improve eyesight. Although they are very good for general health, carrots do not prevent visual diseases such as myopia or hypermetropia.

The Eye Is the Only Body Organ That Reaches Its Maximum Size From Birth

False

This common idea that the eye is the only organ of the body that reaches its fullness at birth is false. At birth, the eye is about 17 mm. Then, during childhood it reaches approximately 20 mm and then gain about 5 mm more to reach an average size of 25 mm in adulthood.

Working on a Computer or Watching a Screen Up Close Can Damage the Eyes

False

Although working in front of a screen can cause discomfort or even eye strain, it does not damage the eyes in the long run. The eye may also dry out due to a reduction in the frequency of blinks. On the other hand, it is wrong to believe that screens cause a loss of vision or myopia. The same goes for the distance between the eye and the screen. No permanent damage will be caused by this practice, even if it is not a very good habit to have.

UV Rays Damage the Eyes

True

In many cases, damage caused by UV rays is invisible and causes progressive deterioration of the eye. Exposure to the sun can even lead to irreversible and permanent damage. Fixing the sun is particularly harmful for the eye since a burn of the retina can occur. This is even more true during a solar eclipse! Whether it's a sunny day or a cloudy day, wearing proper sunglasses should be a priority if you want to keep your eyes healthy.

Reading In The Dark or Reading Small Print Can Wear Out the Eyes

False

No permanent damage can be caused by reading in a dark room or reading fine print. On the other hand, it is recommended not to make it a habit since it can cause eyestrain.

A Cataract Must Be Fully Developed Before It Can Be Removed and Can Be Completely Done by Laser

False

Technological advances in cataract surgery allow its removal before the end of its development. It is therefore important to consult your ophthalmologist to remove cataracts as soon as they appear. In addition, the belief that the laser is used to extract cataracts is false. The laser is rather used to assist the surgeon during the procedure. It helps achieve greater levels of accuracy, safety and predictability than traditional surgery.

A Perfect Vision Is a 20/20 Vision

False

The concept of a "20/20 perfect vision" is wrong. In fact, no one has a "perfect" vision. In fact, it would also be possible for a person to have a vision greater than 20/20. This measure is rather used as a criterion for health professionals to judge the vision of a patient good enough not to require vision correction, either by glasses or surgery.

Vision Is Predominantly Hereditary

True and false

Although some diseases of the eye are genetic, others are not. Two myopic parents will not necessarily have a child with refractive problems. The same goes for cataracts and many other diseases of the eye.