10 common misconceptions about eye health

Misconceptions we hear from friends or social media, such as 'garlic cures styes,' 'cataracts can be treated with eye drops,' and 'routine eye exams are unnecessary for children without complaints,' threaten our eye health. Ophthalmology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özge Begüm Comba explains 10 common misconceptions about eye health and provides recommendations and warnings.

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10 common misconceptions about eye health

Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital Ophthalmology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özge Begüm Combapointed out that misconceptions in society can prevent the early diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, stating, "Delays in the treatment of diseases can lead to serious eye problems, such as permanent vision loss, in later stages.

For example, conjunctivitis, which is common in our country and known as 'pink eye' among the public, can lead to vision defects and even vision loss if not treated in time.

Furthermore, in some conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), which can be completely eliminated with early diagnosis and treatment, children lose their chance for recovery if treatment is delayed. Myopia, which is also quite common in our country, can progress if not monitored regularly."

Here are 10 common misconceptions about eye health...

Wearing glasses makes your prescription worse. FALSE!

THE TRUTH: There is a common belief in society that wearing glasses causes eye prescriptions to worsen. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özge Begüm Comba points out that glasses are merely a tool that allows us to see better, stating, 'Therefore, wearing glasses will neither worsen nor stop the progression of your prescription.'

The use of glasses, especially during childhood, is important for the visual system to function fully and completely. This is because glasses are a part of the treatment for permanent conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye).'

Red eye can be cured with artificial tear treatment. FALSE!

THE TRUTH: In cases of conjunctivitis, one of the most common eye diseases in Turkey and known as 'red eye' among the public, using only artificial tears or drops that helped someone else can lead to serious problems. Comba warns that if this disease is not treated in time, vision defects and vision loss can develop, adding, 'Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane covering the inside of the eyelid, and the most common causes are viral and bacterial.'

It is of great importance that this condition is evaluated by a physician and treated according to the underlying cause. Otherwise, conjunctivitis can cause scarring that may lead to vision loss.'

It is impossible to stop the progression of an eye prescription. FALSE!

THE TRUTH: The most significant factors in the progression of eye prescriptions are genetic and environmental. In light of scientific studies, it is recommended to limit near-work, rest the eyes by looking into the distance for 20 seconds every 20 minutes on average, and engage in outdoor activities for at least 2 hours a day.

Furthermore, it is possible to halt the progression of eye prescriptions until the age of 18 through the use of pupil-dilating drops, specialized lenses, and overnight contact lenses that reshape the cornea.

Eye prescriptions continue to progress after laser eye surgery. FALSE!

THE TRUTH: Laser surgery is performed on patients over the age of 18 who have not experienced an increase in their prescription above a certain threshold within the last year. When performed on the appropriate patient with the correct technology and indication, no increase in prescription is expected.

We do not need to have our children's eyes checked if they have no problems at school or in their daily lives. FALSE!

THE TRUTH: Early diagnosis and treatment of serious conditions such as cataracts and eye tumors are vital both visually and for overall health. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özge Begüm Comba states, 'Furthermore, conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes) may go unnoticed by parents because they often occur in only one eye. Since time is of the essence in such diseases, it is crucial that children undergo regular eye examinations starting from the first two months after birth.'

Cataracts can be treated with eye drops. FALSE!

THE TRUTH: The only known treatment for cataracts is surgery. The aged and opaque intraocular lens must be removed surgically and replaced with an artificial lens. However, the progression of cataracts can be slowed by reducing oxidative stress through methods such as healthy eating, regular blood sugar monitoring, and the use of UV-blocking sunglasses.

Cataracts are an eye disease seen only in the elderly. FALSE!

THE TRUTH: Although cataracts mostly develop in older individuals, they can also occur during childhood and infancy. Congenital cataracts can accompany various syndromes and may also result from infections or medication use during pregnancy. In childhood, they can emerge due to medications like cortisone or accompany other diseases.

Glaucoma often presents with severe eye pain. FALSE!

THE TRUTH: Glaucoma is an extremely insidious disease. While it may sometimes manifest with pain behind the eye, it often causes no pain at all. Closed-angle glaucoma, however, follows a more severe course and can cause significant pain due to sudden spikes in intraocular pressure. It is essential to have your eye pressure checked annually after the age of 40.

A stye can be treated with herbal methods like garlic and lemon. FALSE!

THE TRUTH: Applying garlic or lemon to any lesion, such as a stye, is extremely dangerous as it will not yield results and may lead to secondary infections. Managing the process with warm compresses, maintaining eyelash hygiene, and using medications recommended by a physician is the most effective treatment method.

There is no need to wear sunglasses during the autumn and winter months. FALSE!

THE TRUTH: The sun's harmful ultraviolet rays reach the earth even on cloudy days and reflect off shadows. In addition to harmful rays, wind can also cause dry eye. Therefore, it is of great importance for your eye health to wear sunglasses in every season, not just during the summer months.

News Source: 12punto