Your sense of sight is the product of a complex process in your body that many people don’t fully understand. To help you better take care of your eyes, your optometrist debunks four common misconceptions about the eyesight you might have heard when you were a child.
Myth #1: Sitting in Front of the TV Is Bad For Your Eyes
There’s no evidence directly linking watching TV up close to vision problems. In fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has found that children’s eyes can focus up-close better than adults. This means that when it comes to sitting in front of the TV, adults are more likely to experience eye strain.
That said, if your child is sitting too close to the TV, this may be a sign of myopia (nearsightedness), a refractive error that causes difficulties seeing things from afar while objects nearby appear clear. Those who are nearsighted may need corrective eyewear prescribed by an optometrist to help them see better.
Myth #2: Reading in the Dark Damages Your Vision
On the contrary, your eyes actually have the natural ability to see in the dark. A part of your eye called the retina contains light receptors that help adjust your eyes to dim lighting. That said, your eyes may need some time to adjust when changing from bright light conditions to low light conditions.
Myth #3: If You Cross Your Eyes, They Will Stay That Way Forever
In fact, your eye muscles allow you to cross your eyes and move them in various directions. This means if you can cross your eyes, you’re also able to straighten them out every single time. Nevertheless, if you notice your child having crossed eyes frequently, it may be best to schedule an appointment with your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam.
Myth #4: Girls Cannot Be Color Blind
Although color blindness is more common among males, females can be color blind too. Studies show that around 8% people with color blindness are women.
To learn more about your eyes, give us a call at (425) 771-8472 for Alderwood Optical or (425) 485-0430 for Canyon Park Vision Clinic. You can also complete our contact form to request an appointment. We serve WA areas, including Bothell, Lynnwood and Shoreline.