Common Myths about your Eyes and Vision

* Eye Exercises Can Prevent/Fix Vision Loss

Doing eye exercises or “eye yoga” on a regular basis will delay, prevent or correct vision loss.

Reality – Your spectacle number depends on eye tissue health, eyeball shape and other factors. Eyesight is not significantly affected by eye exercises.

* Prescription Glasses/Lenses Fix (or Harm) Your Eyesight

Wearing vision aids all the time helps improve eyesight and prevent vision deterioration. However, some believe it makes eyesight worse.

Reality – Glasses or contact lenses only make your vision clearer. Wearing them constantly does not increase or decrease your power, but could help prevent eye strain.

* Eyesight Gets Worse with Increasing Age

You will definitely face issues with retinal damage, vision loss and eye-related diseases as you get older.

Reality – If you eat a healthy, balanced diet, get regular eye exams and avoid smoking, drinking and high sugar intake, your eyes can remain healthy even in old age!

* Glaucoma Is a Risk Only for Those with Poor Eyesight

People with 20/20 vision and no symptoms of glaucoma are not at risk of developing the disease.

Reality – Glaucoma symptoms only show up in the moderate or advanced stage of the disease, but early detection and treatment can slow its advance.

* Staring at the Sun Can Strengthen Your Eyes

Looking directly into the sun helps to strengthen your eyes and improve your eyesight.

Reality – No, no and no! Looking directly at a solar eclipse causes retinal damage, and so can looking at the sun without protective eyewear.

* Carrots Are the “Magic” Food for Eye Health

Eating a lot of carrots protects your eyes, prevents the need for glasses, and improves your eyesight.

Reality – It isn’t carrots that protect your eye structure, but Vitamin A. Carrots are rich in this antioxidant, but so are dark green leafy veggies and fresh fruits.

For more facts and information regarding your vision, eyewear, LASIK, or surgery please feel free to call us at Utah Valley Eye Center in Provo.