For centuries, our society has been carrying forward a handful of myths regarding eye-care that do more harm than good. In fact, eye-care professionals owe a large part of their business to these folksy concepts!
The eye is one of the most delicate body organs and perhaps that is the reason why eye-problems and diseases far outnumber those related to other systems in the body. With more problems, come more solutions and more solutions certainly mean more "wrong solutions". Let us now discuss some common eye-care myths and investigate the truth behind them.
Myth No.1: "A regular stroke of kohl can enlarge a child's eyes and make it blacker"
The size, shape and color of eyes are genetically predetermined and no amount of kohl (or anything else for that matter) can make them bigger or blacker. In fact, applying any foreign substance on the lid-margin can block the pores on the eyelids and build-up a suitable ground for infection. Few substances may even cause a severe allergic reaction.
Myth No.2: "Children can out-grow crossed-eyes"
Crossed-eyes or squint in children is most often a sign of a muscular or a visual anomaly. If left untreated during the developing years (1-9 years of age), the squinting eye fails to develop optimum vision and can become permanently dysfunctional because the brain eventually shuts off the weaker eye- a condition known as "amblyopia". A child who squints even temporarily, demands immediate professional attention and therapy to prevent visual impairment.
Myth No.3: "Reading too much, reading in dim light or watching too much television can harm eyesight"
Though dim light and television (or computer) viewing can cause strain and fatigue to the eyes (a headache at the most) but they cannot cause any long-term or permanent damage to the eyes or affect the "power" of the eyes. Just like our arms ache after too much weight lifting, our eye-muscles get tired after too much focusing! However, that is not reason enough for kids to cling to screens. Keeping the eyes comfortable is as important as keeping them healthy. Do not cut down too much on T.V time but do make sure that children take frequent breaks and get enough out-door exercise.
Myth No.4: "Children will out-grow their refractive error and do not need glasses"
This belief poses the biggest hurdle in an eye-care practitioner's battle against childhood blindness. Most children develop a refractive error during their growing years and some do late into their teens. Whatever the case may be, if a child has a significant "number", it is imperative that he/she wears the prescribed glasses regularly. Sometimes, children do out-grow their refractive errors but most often, the number changes (or increases) with age. This is pretty normal and is not a cause of worry. Just like some people are tall and short, eyes are plus and minus! However, if the power progresses beyond plus or minus 6.00 Diopters, the child may need to be frequently monitored by an eye-care professional. Not wearing glasses regularly can also lead to Amblyopia- a condition that we have discussed earlier.
Myth No.5: "Crying too much shrinks the eyes"
The tears that flow while crying do not come from within the eye but are produced in a separate gland called the lacrimal gland and flow out of a duct opening at the corner of the eye. Tears work as a natural "cleansing" mechanism and no-one can ever fall short of them unless there is an ocular pathology involved.
Myth No.6: "Contact Lenses cannot be used on children"
Barring the cosmetic aspect, contact lenses have been proved to be effective in the treatment of many ocular disorders and are specially indicated in some cases of amblyopia, corneal irregularities (keratoconus, corneal dystrophy and injuries) and very high refractive errors. The care-taking responsibility however lies with the parents/guardians- at least in the initial stages. Contact lens wear requires a fair amount of care and caution but an average child can easily learn the nuances. If children assume responsibility, they may be allowed to use lenses on their own under parental supervision and the advice of an optometrist/ ophthalmologist.
Myth No.7: "Eye drops can eliminate the need for glasses"
As already discussed, the power of the eye is genetically predetermined. As much as the television ads would like to claim otherwise, an eye drop that can cure refractive errors has not yet been invented. The only scientifically proven solutions for a refractive error are spectacles/ contact lenses and refractive surgery. The latter however, can be thought of only after 18 years of age and requires a consideration of many other factors.
Myth No.8: "Using a higher powered glass can damage eyes"
A wrong prescription can cause blurred vision and/or eye strain but as far as damage is concerned- a headache is the most you can expect! Although wearing the correct prescription is mandatory for clear vision and ocular comfort, a wrong one will do no serious wrong if worn for a short time.
Myth No.9: "Eye-transplant can cure all eye disorders"
In the procedure of eye-transplant, only the "cornea" or the transparent membrane in the papillary area is transplanted; not the whole eye. Therefore, this surgery has it's limitations and holds good only in selected cases of corneal blindness.
Myth No.10:"Sleeping with wet hair can cause blindness"
This is probably the most bizarre of all eye-care myths and No-one knows where it came from! Probably from a mom who did not want a damp bedding? There is absolutely no truth in this belief as hair and eyes have no immediate connection. The only harm hair can do to eyes is passing on the dandruff to the lashes!
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