There’s a lot of incorrect information out there about eyes and vision, here’s a few myths we’d like to clear up…
Myth: Reading in dim light can damage your eyes
This is something you may have been told by your parents. While it’s true that reading in dim light can cause eye fatigue, it won’t permanently damage your vision. Phew!
Myth: Vision screenings are the same as eye exams
Vision screenings test the sharpness of your vision and often come along with physical exams. This is done by having the patient read a chart of letters one eye at a time (Think driver’s license screening or even workplace tests). Eye exams are much more comprehensive. They test for things like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Myth: There’s no way to prevent vision loss from happening
Fortunately, there are many ways to take care of your vision such as exercise, having a healthy diet, and wearing protective eye gear when necessary. Vision does naturally deteriorate for many people with age; seeing an optometrist regularly can help detect any problems early on.
Myth: The eye is full size at birth
Babies’ eyeballs are 16 millimeters wide at birth. That’s why they look so cute! By the age of three, they grow to be 23 millimeters wide, and hit the maximum size when you hit puberty – around 24 millimeters wide.
