Covering fact, fiction about vision

  • Published
  • By Capt. (Dr.) Christine Giblin
  • 60th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
TRAVIS AFB, Calif. --  May is recognized by the National Eye Institutes as Healthy Vision Month. Millions of people in the United States have undetected eye conditions or visual problems. A comprehensive eye exam by an eye care professional may lead to detection, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.

This month, optometrists and ophthalmologists nationwide, including here at David Grant USAF Medical Center, are urging patients to make their vision a health priority.

The following are some examples of the many myths out there surrounding healthy vision that need to be busted.

Myth: One does not need any eye exam before the age of 40.

Fact: There are many treatable eye diseases that can affect vision before the age of 40. Amblyopia, or lazy eye, is often a treatable condition if caught early. Glaucoma, which usually effects the elder population, can cause vision damage before one turns 40 and if discovered early can be more effectively treated.

Myth: Doctors can transplant eyes
Fact: Doctors can only transplant the cornea, the clear structure in front of the iris.

Myth: Eating Carrots will improve your vision
Fact: Carrots are high in Beta Carotene which is turned into Vitamin A in the Body. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that can prevent night blindness; however, too much Vitamin A can be harmful. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants such as carrots, leafy greens, fruits and Omega-3 fatty acids from sources like salmon and sardines will ensure the best diet for your eyes.

Myth: Reading in dim light is damaging to your eyes
Fact: Reading in dim light will cause your eyes to get tired which could lead to a headache, but it cannot damage your vision. Using a brightly, focused light helps with reading by increasing contrast and decreasing pupil size, which aids in near vision

Myth: Wearing glasses will make my vision worse
Fact: Glasses do not make vision worse. Instead, people notice changes in one's visual perception. Before glasses, blurry vision is perceived as normal, but when one gets new glasses with clear vision that perception changes. Eye glasses help us see better and reduce eye strain, so that we may be more efficient throughout the day.
There are many more myths about vision and how our eyes work. At your next eye examination feel free to ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist about these and other myths.