Common Eye Myths
This page was inspired because of all the misconceptions I have heard over the many years of being an Optometrist. Hopefully this will help clear up some of these areas that seemed to have caused some confusion.
Eye Myth: “I have 20/20 vision, I don’t need an eye exam”
Friends, it’s not all about the “20/20”. I have seen many patients over years with great vision but have found underlying health issues. I am grateful to say that is not an everyday find, but so much can be learned about your overall health by looking at your eyes. Sarcoidosis, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, increased cholesterol, and even neurological conditions are just a few that I have personally seen in the back of patients eyes. Many conditions lack any symptoms, and leaves you unaware of the problem. You should be seen for a dilated eye examination every 1 to 2 years depending on your health and risk factors.
EYE MYTH: “EATING CARROTS WILL IMPROVE YOUR VISION”
How many have heard your mother tell you this? Carrots are a great source for beta-carotene and vitamin A, which are important nutrients. However, they will not improve your vision.
EYE MYTH: “MY CONTACTS FEEL FINE AND MY VISION IS GREAT, I DON’T NEED TO SEE THE EYE DOCTOR”
Contact lenses are FDA approved medical devices. I know it seems crazy that the little piece of plastic you put on your eyes couldn’t cause any problems, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. I see all things that can and do go wrong, conditions that permanently cause vision loss. I say this not to scare you but to educate you on the importance of making sure your eyes are healthy from proper contact lens wear.
EYE MYTH: “MY CHILD HAD AN EYE EXAM AT SCHOOL”
Parents, those school screenings are not extensive eye examinations. Screening are just a quick check that can give parents a false sense of security. As high as 20% of children that have screenings actually have vision issues. Eighty percent of what we learn is visual so it’s important to make sure those little eyes are functioning properly. Children should have their eyes tested before entering school. The earlier the better.
EYE MYTH: "GLASSES WILL MAKE MY EYES WORSE"
Nope! Unfortunately the muscles in our eyes that help us focus are less effective over time. This will happen regardless if you wear glasses or not.
“Knowledge has a beginning but no end”