Good eyesight is an incredibly vital element in the human body. You perceive virtually every impression in the environment through your eyes. It also helps you anticipate and escape from danger especially if other senses such as smell and hearing are impaired. However, it is possible that you may have heard all sorts of things about what is beneficial and detrimental for your vision without confirmation from a trusted optometrist. In this article, we share the truth behind common eye myths.
Myth 1: Babies are born with fully developed eyes.
In general, babies are born with eyes that are approximately two-thirds the size of adult eyes. An infant at birth is highly sensitive to bright light, and having small pupils helps limit the amount of light that enters their eyes. Eyes continue to grow after birth and well beyond the first two years of life. Keep in mind that eye or vision problems can delay the development of a baby, so make sure to find these problems by scheduling eye screenings early on.
Myth 2: Eating carrots will help improve your vision.
Carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A — an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy eyesight. The body only needs a small amount of Vitamin A daily, and it can be obtained through many sources like fish and dark, leafy green vegetables. Eating carrots can maintain an already-healthy vision, but it will not significantly improve eyesight or prevent a person from needing eyeglasses or contacts.
Myth 3: Reading in the dark is harmful to your eyes.
Reading in dim light does not cause lasting damage. However, good lighting can make reading easier and less demanding. It also keeps your eyes from tiring out or developing strain after a short period of time. Common symptoms of eye strain include tired eyes, headaches, and blurred vision.
Myth 4: Losing vision is an inevitable part of aging.
Fortunately, many vision complications associated with aging can be treated. For example, presbyopia and cataracts can both be remedied surgically so adults can see clearly again. It is crucial to have eye exams annually to detect permanent threats to eyesight as early as possible.
Eyes On Norbeck is a team of eye doctors specializing in eye care services and computer vision exams. Call at (301) 238-7199 or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment. We are ready to serve patients in Rockville, MD, and the surrounding communities.
