At Lake Nona Eye Care we have patients coming in asking all sorts of questions. Here are just a few of the most popular eye care myths exposed:
Eye Myth Number 1: Eating lots of carrots will improve your vision.
The Fact: Carrots are full of Vitamin A, necessary for good vision. If you eat a health diet you’re probably already getting enough vitamin A, since only a small amount of vitamin A is needed. Other foods rich in vitamin A include sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and butternut squash.
Eye Myth Number 2: Reading in dim lighting will hurt your eyes.
The Fact: Although reading in dim lighting will cause your eyes to work harder, it won’t cause physical damage to your eyes. It may strain your eyes causing eye strain, blurred vision,itchy eyes, headaches, neck and back aches.
Eye Myth Number 3: Wearing glasses will make my eyes dependent on them.
The Fact: Glasses and contacts focus your eyes like a camera. Seeing clearly is always better than uncorrected vision, though you may feel more dependent on your glasses you’re really just getting used to seeing clearly.
Eye Myth Number 4: Sitting too long or to close to the computer screen or TV can damage your vision.
The Fact: Starring at the computer or TV can cause eye strain but not lasting damage. However the strain on your eyes can cause the same host of issues as reading in dim lighting, eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision.
Eye Myth Number 5: You only need an eye exam if you’re experiencing issues.
The Fact: According to WebMD, “Everyone needs regular eye exams. This is particularly important if you have risk factors or a family history of eye problems. Children need their vision checked at 6 months, 3 years, and before first grade. These exams should be done during preventative pediatrician visits and with a pre school eye screening. Adults should see an eye doctor at least every two years and annually after age 60. Your doctor may recommend more frequent exams if you have a health condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, work in a visually demanding job, or take medications that can affect eyesight.”
The American Optometric Association stresses the importance of visiting the eye Doctor. “Periodic eye and vision examinations are an important part of preventive health care. Many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms. As a result, individuals are often unaware that problems exist. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems are important for maintaining good vision and eye health, and when possible, preventing vision loss.”
We use our eyes from the time we wake up in the morning until we go to bed at night, constantly processing information, it’s hard to imagine life without them. That’s why it’s so important to take care of them.
Contact Dr. Ward and the professional team at Lake Nona Eye Care for an appointment today.