We’ve all heard tips about keeping our eyes healthy, but not everything you read or hear is true. Let’s set the record straight—because healthy eyes need more than just good intentions.
Myth 1: Carrots will make your child see perfectly.
Fact: Carrots are rich in Vitamin A, which is good for eye health, but eating them alone won’t correct vision problems.
Myth 2: Vitamin supplements alone can fix eyesight.
Fact: While Vitamin A, Omega-3 fatty acids (found in primrose oil), and other nutrients support eye health, they can’t replace professional treatment or check-ups.
Myth 3: Healthy eating is enough to protect vision.
Fact: Eating well is important, but it’s only part of the solution. Just like dental check-ups, yearly eye exams are critical for your child.
Myth 4: Reading in dim light will damage your eyes.
Fact: Reading in poor light may cause eye strain, but it does not cause permanent damage. Encourage proper lighting to avoid discomfort, not eye disease.
Myth 5: Sitting too close to the TV will ruin eyesight.
Fact: This may strain your child’s eyes temporarily, but it won’t make them short-sighted permanently.
Myth 6: Only adults need eye exams.
Fact: Children need regular eye exams too. Early detection of issues like lazy eye, strabismus, or refractive errors can prevent lifelong vision problems.
Myth 7: Wearing glasses will make your child dependent on them.
Fact: Glasses correct vision, they don’t weaken your eyes. Using them properly supports learning and development.
Myth 8: Eye exercises can cure poor vision.
Fact: Some exercises may help with eye strain, but they cannot fix refractive errors like short-sightedness or long-sightedness.
Myth 9: Squinting is harmless.
Fact: Frequent squinting may indicate a vision problem that needs professional evaluation. Don’t ignore it.
Myth 10: Sunglasses aren’t necessary on cloudy days.
Fact: UV rays penetrate clouds. Protecting eyes from UV damage is important year-round to prevent cataracts and other eye conditions.
Myth 11: Eye drops can fix blurry vision.
Fact: Drops may relieve dryness or redness temporarily, but they won’t correct refractive errors.
Myth 12: Contact lenses are unsafe for kids.
Fact: With proper hygiene and supervision, children can safely wear contacts if prescribed by an optometrist.
Myth 13: If vision seems fine, no check-up is needed.
Fact: Many eye problems are silent at first. Routine exams can detect issues before they affect learning or daily life.
The takeaway: Healthy eyes require more than carrots and good intentions. A yearly eye exam is just as important as dental check-ups—especially for growing children.
At Kyalami Optometrists, we help children and adults maintain clear, healthy vision, catching problems early so they can thrive
