IF YOU CROSS YOUR EYES, THEY WILL STAY THAT WAY!!

My grandmother used to warn me that if I cried too much, I would get small eyes. Well, many decades and oceans of tears later, I still cry, and my eyes seem to have remained the same size! At some point in our lives, we have all been instructed, or cautioned, about the do's and don'ts on a variety of health-related topics. Some of these are myths or old wives' tales used by parents, grandparents or teachers to encourage good behaviour in children. Others contain an element of truth, but the truth may have been stretched or exaggerated for added effect. So, with regard to the eyes, which are fact and which fiction? Where does myth end and truth begin? Is there a clear dividing line between the two?

IF YOU CROSS YOUR EYES, THEY WILL GET STUCK THAT WAY

		If you cross your eyes, they will not remain crossed, but will naturally return to normal once you focus on something else. A small percentage of children have a problem with the eyes not being aligned correctly, so that they appear permanently "crossed". This condition, known as strabismus, is not caused by deliberately crossing the eyes and is usually evident before the age of five. It is often the subject of another myth that can result in permanent visual problems.

CHILDREN WITH A SQUINT WILL GROW OUT OF IT

A squint, or strabismus, is a condition in which the eyes point in different directions. Contrary to some opinions, it will not correct itself over time or as the child grows. Medical intervention is necessary to force the eye into the correct position using an eye patch, glasses, eye drops or sometimes surgery. It is important that it is treated as early as possible. Untreated squints can result in "lazy eye", or amblyopia, in which the vision in the affected eye gradually deteriorates as the brain ignores its weaker messages.

EATING CARROTS WILL IMPROVE YOUR EYESIGHT

		The origin of this dates back to World War II, when British Intelligence didn't want the enemy to know that they were using radar, so they spread the rumour that their pilots had excellent night vision because they ate lots of carrots. It is true that carrots contain nutrients that are essential for promoting and maintaining eye health, and other nutrients can be found in leafy green as well as brightly coloured vegetables. A healthy balanced diet is important for overall physical health and well-being.

WEARING YOUR GLASSES TOO MUCH WILL CAUSE YOUR VISION TO DETERIORATE

This myth is based on the idea that the more you wear your glasses the more you will depend on them and the weaker your eyes will become, resulting in the need for a stronger prescription. The truth is that over time and as part of the natural aging process, vision changes and a new prescription may become necessary. The purpose of glasses, or contact lenses, is to help us see more clearly. Not wearing them for fear of becoming dependent on them will lead to eye strain and sometimes headaches.

READING IN THE DARK WILL DAMAGE YOUR VISION

		We have all been warned as children that reading in the dark will cause long-term vision problems. While it is true that the lower the light, the harder it is for the eyes to focus, which can cause short term eye fatigue or strain, but there will be no permanent negative effects on the eyes and vision. The eyes adjust to the light around them and the pupils enlarge in order to collect the maximum amount of light.

TOO MUCH TV IS BAD FOR A CHILD'S EYES

Watching TV or sitting too close to the TV will not harm a child's eyes. It may cause eye fatigue or headaches but will not cause permanent damage. If a child does sit close to the TV, hold a book very close or squint when trying to focus, this may indicate a problem with his vision and a visit to your optometrist for an eye examination is probably a good idea. For optimal visual development, children should be encouraged to balance TV time with outdoor time.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO WEAR SUNGLASSES ON CLOUDY DAYS

		The ultraviolet rays of the sun are harmful to the eyes on cloudy as well as bright sunny days. Any exposure to the sun adds to the cumulative effect of UV radiation, which has been linked to an array of eye health issues, including cataracts and macular degeneration. On cloudy days the brightness of the sun may be reduced but the dangerous invisible rays that are damaging to the eyes are not.

HAVING 20/20 VISION MEANS THE EYES ARE PERFECT

This is partly true in that 20/20 vision does indicate excellent central vision. However, there is more to visual health than central vision. Some eye conditions that can cause permanent vision loss may take years to develop without any symptoms until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. The sooner these are detected and treated the better. Regular visits to your optometrist, who will assess more than central vision, can result in detection of conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and even health conditions like diabetes. Early treatment can slow down and sometimes stop the progression of the disease.

CONTACT LENSES CAN GET LOST BEHIND THE EYES

The eye protects this from happening due to the thin lining on the eye's inner surface which also lines the eyelids, making it impossible for anything to get behind the eye or get stuck there. It is possible for a contact lens to loosen from the cornea and lodge under the upper eyelid, but there are simple steps that can be taken to reposition the lens.

WEARING SOMEONE ELSE'S GLASSES MAY DAMAGE YOUR EYES

You may not be able to see clearly when you put on someone else's glasses, and you may even experience double vision or have a headache, but your eyes won't come to any permanent harm. Trying someone else's contact lenses, on the other hand, can lead to eye infections, and is definitely not advised.