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 doctors of optometry at the office of Dr. Shannon Chandler & Associates frequently receive 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 discuss 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 spend a lot of time sitting close to the TV and computer screens. True. This can cause digital eye strain, dry eyes and trouble with sleeping. There are also concerns that blue light in the displays can increase the risk of macular degeneration. Also, a continual need to sit close to the screen may be a sign that there is a vision problem and you need your vision checked.
• You don't need to have yearly eye exams if you don't need glasses. False. Almost every person could benefit from seeing our optometrist regularly. This can diagnose and treat 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 optometrists at Dr. Shannon Chandler & Associates urge you to come in for a comprehensive examination once a year, or more frequently if you are experiencing a change in your vision. We’re glad to answer your questions and address your concerns! Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.