Proper eye care is critical for maintaining healthy eyes and strong vision. Persistent, widespread myths and misunderstandings can interfere with that, however, and potentially result in harmful actions, omissions, or spread of misinformation. Here, Dr. Lindsey Thomas, an optometrist at Washington University’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, debunks several eye care myths that can lead you astray and harm your vision.*

Eye Care Myths and Truths

Myths, misconceptions, and misunderstandings permeate a wide variety of topics in eye care and eye health. These are some of the most common myth-ridden topics, along with Dr. Thomas’ clarifications. 

• Glasses. Contrary to popular belief, wearing glasses doesn’t cause your eyesight to deteriorate. In fact, glasses enhance the clarity of your vision because they help your brain process images more effectively. If you suddenly stop wearing them, your vision seems blurrier, not because it has worsened, but because your brain misses the sharpness glasses provided.
• Cataracts. After cataract surgery, the cloudy lens that was impairing your vision is replaced and can’t “grow back.” However, a phenomenon known as a “secondary cataract” may occur, which is actually a treatable condition with a simple laser procedure, not a regrowth of the original cataract.
• Color blindness. The term “color blind” is a bit misleading. Most people with this condition have difficulty distinguishing between specific colors, such as reds and greens, rather than seeing the world in grayscale, which is extremely rare.
• Eye exercises. There’s no evidence to suggest that eye exercises can eliminate the need for glasses. The necessity for vision correction is based on several immutable factors, including the physical shape of your eye and your eye health conditions.
• Age-related vision change. It’s natural to experience a decline in your ability to see objects up close as you enter your 40s, a condition known as presbyopia. This isn’t something you can exercise away, but various corrective lenses options can help manage this age-related change.
• Eye exams. Skipping eye exams because your vision seems fine is a risky move. Regular check-ups can detect underlying health issues long before symptoms manifest, potentially saving you from preventable vision loss or other health complications.

Eye care is self care

So, wear your glasses as prescribed by your eye doctor, keep up with your regularly scheduled eye exams, and let your eye care professional know if you experience any changes in vision or symptoms such as headaches that may be related to an eye disorder. Regular comprehensive exams enable you and your doctor to make necessary adjustments to optimize your vision and prevent diseases from developing or worsening.

*Katarina. (2023, September 1). 6 Eye Care Myths. John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. https://ophthalmology.wustl.edu/6-common-eye-care-myths/ 

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