Doctors bust common eye care myths for parents

October 12, 2009

When it comes to kids and eye care, it can be hard to separate old-wives tales from sound medical advice. To help parents tell fact from fiction, physicians at The Vision Center at the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles set out to dispel a few myths about pediatric eye care.

According to Dr. Mark Borchert, division head of the vision center, sitting close to the TV will not ruin your eyesight. Though focusing too long on a computer screen could cause headaches or blurred vision, the popular pastimes of TV watching and video game playing will not permanently damage a child's eyes.

Another myth burst by the physicians is that carrots, long thought to improve eyesight, can prevent your child from needing prescription glasses. Though rich in Vitamin A, there's no evidence that carrots improve vision. Instead, doctors urge children to eat the unsung hero of eye health - lutein, which is found in leafy green vegetables.

Running with scissors is the number one threat to eye health. False. In fact, the leading cause of eye damage in children in not wearing the proper safety eyeglasses when playing sports. Children should be encouraged to wear the appropriate safety eyewear, such as goggles or face masks, for every sport in which they participate, according to Prevent Blindness America.

Physicians at the vision center also urge parents to ensure that their children wear sunglasses whenever venturing outside. The lens of a child's eye allows 70 percent more UV rays to reach the delicate retina than the lens of an adult.