•Dr Priscilia Imade
In Nigeria, as in many other places all over the world, there are several myths and misconceptions surrounding eye care. We will debunk some of them this Yuletide.
Some of these myths include:
1. “You only need to see an eye doctor if you have vision problems.”
• Myth: Many people wait until they experience noticeable symptoms, like blurry vision, pain and loss of vision before visiting an eye doctor.
• The Fact: Regular eye examinations are important even if you are not experiencing vision problems. Many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, hypertensive retinopathy or diabetic retinopathy can develop without any noticeable symptoms but can cause permanent damage if left untreated.
2. “Wearing glasses will weaken your eyes.”
• Myth: Some believe that wearing glasses will make their vision worse or cause their eyes to depend on the lenses.
• The Fact: Glasses correct your vision to make it clearer, but they do not worsen your eyesight. They are a tool to help you see better, and if you stop wearing them, your vision may return to its previous state, but it won’t decline further because of them.
3. “Eating carrots or adding yeast to your foods will cure poor eyesight.”
• Myth: While carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is good for eye health, they do not cure poor eyesight or conditions like nearsightedness or farsightedness. Yeast powder or tablets cannot cure eye diseases either.
• The Fact: Carrots and yeast capsules can support eye health but cannot correct refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). A balanced diet with various nutrients is essential for maintaining good eye health.
4. “Children’s eyes don’t need to be checked unless there is a problem.”
• Myth: Many parents believe children do not need eye examination unless they show signs of eye problems.
• The Fact: Regular eye examination for children are crucial, even if they do not show signs of problems. Early detection of issues like amblyopia (lazy eye) or refractive errors can prevent learning difficulties and vision problems later in life.
5. “If your vision is fine, you don’t need to visit an eye doctor.”
• Myth: People often assume that if they can see clearly, their eyes are healthy.
• The Fact: Even if your vision seems fine, you can still have underlying eye conditions that may not show symptoms right away, such as glaucoma or retinal problems. Regular eye check-ups are essential.
6. “Eye surgery is dangerous and should be avoided.”
• Myth: There is a fear that eye surgeries, such as cataract surgery or LASIK, are risky and can cause permanent damage.
• The Fact: Modern eye surgeries are generally safe and effective, with low risks. They are widely performed in Nigeria and have high success rates. It is always important to consult with a certified and experienced optometrist or ophthalmologist.
7. “Sunlight is good for your eyes, so you don’t need sunglasses.”
• Myth: Some people believe that exposing their eyes to sunlight strengthens their eyes and that sunglasses are unnecessary.
• The Fact: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage the eyes and increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and other conditions. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection is important for protecting eye health.
8. “Eye drops can cure all types of eye problems.”
• Myth: Some people think that over-the-counter eye drops can treat a variety of eye problems, from dryness to infections.
• The Fact: While eye drops can offer temporary relief for dry eyes or irritation, they are not a cure for underlying conditions. It is essential to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
9. “Vision problems are inherited, so there is nothing you can do about it.”
• Myth: People often believe that poor vision or eye diseases are solely inherited and that there’s no preventive measure.
• The Fact: While genetics play a role in eye health, lifestyle factors such as diet and smoking, eye protection and regular eye examination can help maintain healthy eyes and catch problems early.
Finally, some Nigerians also believe that wearing glasses is sign of “faithlessness”. So for religious beliefs and practices they discard glasses or prevent their children from wearing glasses. Some view eye examination as a waste of money and time.
But the fact is you will never have another pair of eyes if you lose the ones you have now. Go for an eye examination this Yuletide.
Happy New Year in advance.
*Dr Priscilia Imade is CEO, Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. E-mail: moderneyecliniclagos@gmail.com
Another edition of the column returns on Monday in The Frontier.
