Always Have Glasses Even if You Don't Usually Wear Them

Growing up, you surely heard a few old tales of what could happen to your eyes if you participate in certain games. Your parents may have told you things to prevent you from doing harm to yourself. However, as an adult, do you often think back and wonder if any of it were true? Here is the truth behind four eye fables. 

1. Sitting In Front Of the Television Is Bad For Your Eyes

As a child, you want to sit up close without disturbance of any kind while watching your favorite program. However, your parents more than likely made you sit further back, telling you that sitting too close to the television is bad for your eyes. This is an old tale that has yet to be proven. However, constantly bringing items close to your eyes, for example, while reading, is an indication that you are nearsighted. It's important to talk to your optometrists if this seems consistent.

2. Crossing Your Eyes Will Make Them Stay Cross

Crossing one's eyes is a popular childhood game for those seeking a daring thrill. The thrill of the game is based on the fact that your eyes could stay crossed. However, this is another myth.

Some children do develop a condition called strabismus. This is when their eyes misalign. If this happens, without proper treatment, your eyes could become permanently damaged, making it difficult to see clearly. A child will not be able to focus on an object or may lose sight in that eye altogether. There are a few methods of treating this issue, including wearing glasses, an eye patch, placing drops in their eye, or surgery.

3. Bad Eyesight is Passed Down Generation to Generation

If this were true, everyone would have bad vision in your family. There are certain eye diseases that make it more likely you may have a condition such as a history of cataracts or glaucoma in your family. These two can be detected early if you alert your optometrists that this is a condition of concern. Otherwise, they may not check for it until you are much older. Take glaucoma for example. It's standard to check for symptoms every two to four years. What makes you high risk is having a:

• Family history of glaucoma
• Family history or you have diabetes

4. Eating Carrots will Improve Your Eyesight

If you have enough beta carotene in your system, vitamin A, you will help strengthen your eyes as time goes on. Carrots are just one food high in beta carotene, and it will not improve your vision overnight. Other vitamin enriched foods include milk, asparagus, nectarines, sweet potatoes, and apricots are also good. Just don't wait until your eyes are beyond repair to eat these super foods. 

Now you know the truth behind four popular fables about your eyes. This doesn't mean it's fine to do any bad habits or avoid your vegetables anytime soon though. The best way to keep healthy eyes is to keep your once a year appointment with your optometrist. To learn more, contact a company like Beyond Vision in Millwoods.