Trivial information can be fun, but it can also be helpful. A few eye facts, myths and truths are fun to discuss. The list below touches on eye facts you may have heard over the years and sets the record straight on myths and truths.
Myth: If you cross your eyes, they will stick.
Truth: While it might not be the best way to get positive attention, crossing your eyes will not make them stick. The bad habit might though it you do it often, so consider how it looks before you get into the habit of eye crossing as a means for conveying a message with body language.
Myth: If parents have poor eyesight, their kids will have poor eyesight.
Truth: This can be true in some cases. Genetics do play a role in eye health and sight, so yes; parents who wore glasses or had other vision issues as a child very well may pass these traits on. Early visits to eye care specialist will help detect any special eye issues a child may have. Family visual history will help your vision care specialist know signs to look for.
Myth: Sitting too close to the television is bad for your eyes.
Truth: This statement came out with the new fangled television set and somehow has never died out. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) says “ kids can actually focus up close without eyestrain better than adults, so they often develop the habit of sitting right in front of the television or holding reading material close to their eyes.” Still if you and your children are sitting comfortably across the room from the television set and one of your children complains of not being able to see and always moves closer to the set, they may have a vision issue that needs to be diagnosed.
Myth: Eat your carrots, they are good for your eyes, you have never seen a rabbit wearing eye glasses have you.
Truth: Carrots are good for your eyes, but any foods rich in vitamin A are also good for you. Asparagus, apricots, milk, eggs, and others foods are also on the list of eye healthy vitamin A rich foods. As for that rabbit with eye glasses, only one. Bunny Rabbit the lovable puppet on the childhood show Captain Kangaroo wore glasses.
Myth: Computers can damage your eyes
Truth: Again sought out the AAO with that question and the answered was clearly, no. Individuals were studied using the computer and it is noted that like reading, you are less likely to blink while on the computer. This can make eyes dry, which may lead to a feeling of fatigue or eyestrain. It is a good idea to stop your work and take a break, look up from the screen and close your eyes from time to time to keep your eyes from drying out. For children, encourage breaks when web browsing or playing video games. This is a good idea when reading or studying books for long periods of time as well.
Myth: Only boys are color blind.
Truth: Estimates show that up to 8% of boys have some degree of color blindness, but girls are not totally in the clear. Less than1% of girls have some form of color blindness, very rare, it is does occur.
Eye facts are fun, and one fact that is always true, you need regular eye examinations to maintain good eye sight and eye health. Take time today to schedule an appointment with your eye care profession and keep your vision, crystal clear.
