We’ve all heard the old wives tales that go along with our health, from going outside in the rain without a jacket causing a cold to eating lots of carrots improving our vision. There are so many of these tales out there that it can cause misinformation. We are here to set the record straight, at least on some of them!
Myth #1
“Don’t cross your eyes they will stay like that”
Answer:
So, even though your mom told you that if you made faces or crossed your eyes it would stay like that. You don’t have to tell your mom that we said this but, she was wrong. Even though it might not be a very pretty look, your eyes will not stay crossed, your eyes are designed to cross naturally to see things that are close to your face. Crossing your eyes is just a result of exaggerating the normal motion.
Myth #2
If you read in dim light it will hurt your eyes.
Answer:
Luckily, for the bookworms out there, the extent of any damage will be eyestrain or a headache but permanent eye damage isn’t a long-term concern. To avoid the unpleasant side effects of reading in dim light, grab a booklight for those times that you’ve just got to finish that book!
Myth #3
The more carrots that you eat the better your vision becomes.
Answer:
It is true that carrots carry beta-carotene which is a source of vitamin A. Even though both are essential nutrients, eating carrots will not improve your eye site regardless how many you eat. Sorry, mom.
Myth #4
Sitting close to the TV will hurt your eyes.
Answer:
Kids just seem to be able to focus at close distance without eyestrain better than adults. Sometimes they develop the habit of holding reading materials close to their eyes or sitting right in front of the TV. There is no evidence that this will cause damage to little eyes, typically this habit usually diminishes as children grow older. Children with nearsightedness will sometimes sit close to the television in order to see the images more clearly.
Tell us: What vision myths have you heard?