Jeepers peepers

THERE are hundreds of myths and misconceptions about eyesight. Our eyes are precious and we need to ensure we care for them properly. A regular eye exam should be part of everyone’s general health awareness.

Meanwhile, here are a few misconceptions about eye care – and one statement that does have a ring of truth to it – which might just open your eyes.

Wearing glasses will make your eyes weaker

FALSE: A surprising number of people I see in my practice are worried about the effects their glasses could be having on their eyesight. Some of the questions I get asked most often are: “Will wearing glasses make my eyes weaker?” and “Will wearing someone else’s glasses damage my eyes?”

I always reassure people that wearing your glasses will not make your eyes weaker, and neither will wearing someone else’s. Although you may not be able to see very well with them, and may get a headache or double vision. Your eyes won’t come to any harm from wearing glasses that are not your prescription.

Contact lenses can get lost behind your eyes

FALSE: Some of my patients who are new to contact lenses worry that they will get lost behind their eyes, particularly if they accidentally fall asleep in them – this is only an urban myth. Luckily, our eyes have a membrane covering the white of the eye, which also lines the eyelids, so it is impossible for a contact lens to get lost behind your eyes.

However, you should be wary of falling asleep in your contact lenses, and try to avoid it unless you have been told specifically by your optometrist that you can. Your eyes need to breathe while wearing contact lenses, and this is more difficult when they are closed.

Watching TV too much, or too closely, will damage your eyes

FALSE: One of the most common things we tell children to discourage them from watching too much TV is that watching TV too much, or too closely, will damage their eyes. This really is a myth; although watching too much TV, or sitting very close to the set, may make your eyes tired or give you a headache, it won’t cause any serious permanent damage.

Holding books up close will damage a child’s eyes

FALSE: Similarly, some people believe that holding books up close will damage a child’s eyes.

However, where or how your child holds a book has no effect on the health of the eyes or the need for glasses. Sometimes children find it more comfortable to read close-up and their very good focusing ability makes it easy for them to do so.

It is important to keep an eye on your child though; in some instances holding things close may indicate that your child is short-sighted and cannot see things far away clearly. If you are worried about this you should take your child for an eye examination.

Eating carrots will improve your eyesight

SOME TRUTH: Another common myth told to children to persuade them to eat their vegetables is that eating carrots will improve their eyesight.

Luckily for parents everywhere, there is some truth in this. Carrots are a source of vitamin A, which is important for the eyes. Before you embark on an all-carrot diet to improve your vision there are other things you can do – such as not smoke – that are also important for eye health. The College of Optometrists recommends eating a balanced diet to maintain good health all round.

• More advice on how to look after your eyes can be found on the College of Optometrists’ Look After Your Eyes website: lookafteryoureyes.org/
• Valerie Alsop is a member of the College of Optometrists and is based in Stockton