5 True or False Questions About Your Eyesight

There are many conceptions and misconceptions about the best ways to protect your eyesight and about the habits that are most harmful. Our doctor of optometry at Omni Eye & Vision (Burnaby) frequently receives questions about these topics from our patients. We specialize in all aspects of caring for your eyes, from testing your vision, to examining, diagnosing and treating disorders. We’re glad to train our focus on some commonly held beliefs about the precious gift of sight.

• Eating carrots is good for your eyes. True, to some extent. The vitamin A contained in carrots can boost eye health, but it’s unlikely to improve your vision. 
• Reading in the dark will harm your eyesight. False. This common habit can cause eye strain, but it’s likely to be only temporary.
• Wearing corrective lenses weakens your eyesight. False. The belief that taking an occasional break from wearing glasses guards against your vision becoming worse has been disproven.
• It’s bad for your eyes to sit too close to the TV or other screens. False. Although this will cause digital eye strain, it’s only temporary and will not result in permanent damage. However, a continual need to sit close to the screen may be a sign that you need your vision checked. 
• Our eyesight naturally gets weaker as we get older. False. Seeing our optometrist regularly can prevent or treat age-related conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration before they become serious. At a time when we’re living longer, healthier lives, there are more reasons than ever to protect our vision! 

There are few things as precious as our eyesight — literally the lenses through which we see the world. That’s why our optometrist at Omni Eye & Vision (Burnaby) urges you to come in for a comprehensive examination and vision test once a year, or whenever you experience a change in your vision. We’re glad to answer your questions and address your concerns! Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.