Here are 7 eye care myths and misconceptions that could be harming your vision:

Myth 1: You only need to see an eye doctor if you’re having problems with your vision.

Fact: Even if your vision seems to be perfect, it’s important to see an eye doctor for regular checkups, especially as you get older. Regular eye exams can help detect eye diseases and conditions early on, when they’re most treatable.

Myth 2: Eye exercises can reduce the need for glasses.

Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that eye exercises can reduce the need for corrective lenses. Even if they are good and relaxing, eye exercises have no known scientific fact that it can help reduce the need for corrective lenses.  Refractive errors are primarily due to the shape of the eye and genetics.

Myth 3: Crossing your eyes can make them permanently crossed.

Fact: It’s not possible to permanently cross your eyes by crossing them. However, if you have strabismus (crossed eyes), it’s important to see an eye doctor right away. Strabismus is a common condition in children, but it can also occur in adults. It’s important to treat strabismus early on to ensure that both eyes develop properly.

Myth 4: Using a computer or watching TV is harmful to your eyes.

Fact: While using a computer or watching TV for long periods of time can cause eye strain, it won’t damage your eyes. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: take a break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will help reduce the stress cause by straining your eyes.

Myth 5: Carrots can improve your vision.

Fact: Carrots are a good source of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important for good vision, but eating carrots alone won’t improve your vision. To get the most vitamin A, eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.

Myth 6: Wearing glasses will make your eyes weaker.

Fact: Wearing glasses won’t make your eyes weaker. In fact, wearing the right prescription glasses can help to improve your vision and reduce eye strain. Glasses are like every other medicine, it helps you feel better.

Myth 7: You only need to wear sunglasses on sunny days.

Fact: Sunglasses are important to wear on cloudy days as well as sunny days. UV rays can damage your eyes even on cloudy days, so it’s important to wear sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.

If you have any questions or concerns about your eye health, be sure to talk to your eye doctor. They can help you to dispel any myths or misconceptions you may have and develop a plan to keep your eyes healthy.