Old wives' tales abound about the eyes. From television to eat carrots, here's the lowdown on some vision facts and fiction.
Myth: Sitting too close to TV is bad for the eyes.
Fact: Although parents have said this since TVs first found their way into our homes, there is no evidence that plunking down right in front of the TV set damages someone's eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) says that the children actually focus up close without eyestrain better than adults, so they often develop the habit of sitting in front of the TV or reading material close to their eyes. However, be sitting near a TV, a sign of short-sightedness.
Myth: If you cross your eyes, they'll stay that way.
Fact: Contrary to the old adage, eyes will not stay that way when you cross it. If your child crosses an eye constantly, plan an evaluation by an ophthalmologist.
Myth: If parents have poor eyesight, their children will inherit this trait.
Fact: Unfortunately, this is a true sometimes. If you need glasses for good vision or have developed an eye disease (such as cataracts), could your children inherit the same property. Discuss your visual family history with your doctor.
Myth: Eating carrots to improve eyesight.
Fact: While it's true that carrots rich in vitamin A is important for vision, so are many other foods (asparagus, apricots, nectarines and milk, for example). A balanced diet, the vitamin A necessary for good vision, says the AAO.
Myth: Computer use can damage the eyes.
Fact: According to the AAO, computer use will not harm the eyes. However, if you a computer for long periods of time, the eyes blink less than normal (like they do when reading or performing other work in the vicinity). This makes the eyes dry, which can lead to a feeling of eyestrain or fatigue. To encourage your children to surf the Internet or to take frequent breaks video games.
Myth: Two blue-eyed parents can not produce a child with brown eyes.
Fact: Two blue-eyed parents can have a child with brown eyes, although it is very rare. Similarly, to have a child with blue eyes, two brown-eyed parents, although this is unusual.
Myth: Only boys can be color blind.
Fact: It is estimated that up to 8% of boys have some degree of color blindness, while less than 1% of the girls do.
Myth: The eye is full size at birth.
Fact: The eye is not grow full size at birth, but continue on with your child. This growth is partly attributable changes that occur during childhood for refractive (glasses).
Myth: Wearing glasses too much make eyes "dependent" on them.
Fact: refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) change as children get older. Many variables come into play, but most of this change is probably genetically determined and continues despite glasses sooner or later, more or less. Wearing glasses does not make your eyes worse.