False Beliefs Commonly Mistaken as True About Eye Health

Common phrases heard frequently in everyday conversation often contain misconceptions about eye health. Wearing glasses advances your eye prescription… Light flashes in the eye resolve over time… Tearing in babies is a natural condition… Dr. Emre Sübay, Ophthalmologist at Acıbadem Fulya Hospital, states: "Particularly in our country with a young population, the late diagnosis of these conditions leads a significant portion of the population to face more serious eye problems later in life." Dr. Emre Sübay, Ophthalmologist at Acıbadem Fulya Hospital, shared the 10 most common misconceptions believed to be true and provided important warnings.

Misconception: Using rest glasses is necessary to prevent eye pain

Fact: In fact, there is no such thing as rest glasses. "Rest glasses" is a term used colloquially to refer to low-powered eyeglasses. Dr. Emre Sübay, Ophthalmologist, states that "it is incorrect for people without vision problems to wear prescription glasses," and emphasizes that in patients with vision defects such as myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia, failure to correct the prescription will cause eye and headaches.

Misconception: My eye hurts, my eye pressure has risen

Fact: Glaucoma, known colloquially as eye pressure, is an insidious condition that progresses gradually and usually produces few symptoms. Diagnosis can be made during routine eye examinations. For this reason, regular eye check-ups are of great importance. Only a small portion of eye pain develops due to elevated eye pressure. Therefore, it is incorrect to assume "my eye pressure has risen" when eye pain develops. If pain is persistent or severe, it may be a warning sign of glaucoma.

Misconception: Glasses worsen your eye prescription and cause eye laziness

Fact: Contrary to common belief in society, Dr. Emre Sübay states that glasses, which are a tool providing clear vision, do not cause the eye prescription to worsen or improve. "When vision defects change over time, patients are prescribed new glasses with the appropriate prescription. Glasses do not cause laziness in the eyes; on the contrary, glasses are used in the treatment of what is called 'amblyopia,' or lazy eye," he says.

Misconception: Lazy eye is corrected with laser surgery

Fact: Amblyopia, or lazy eye, cannot be eliminated with any eye surgery. However, it can be corrected with early diagnosis at a young age through glasses use and patching therapy on the better-seeing eye. Laser surgeries are performed only to reduce glasses prescriptions.

Misconception: Cataract is only a disease of the elderly

Fact: While cataracts develop frequently in the elderly, they can also occur in newborn babies, children, and young people. Infections the mother experienced during pregnancy, genetic or metabolic diseases can cause this condition, while in adulthood, medication use, trauma, or systemic diseases may lead to early-onset cataracts.

Misconception: Cataract surgery is performed with laser

Fact: Another point incorrectly believed by the public is that cataract surgery is performed with laser. In the PHACO method, known as 'laser cataract surgery,' there is actually no laser. PHACO operates on the principle of ultrasonic vibration.

Misconception: Strabismus in babies resolves on its own

Fact: Dr. Emre Sübay, Ophthalmologist, warns: "It is true that babies can cross their eyes intermittently for the first 6 months, but if there is a fixed deviation, this is not a condition that improves over time." The specialist continues: "There can also be a false appearance of strabismus in babies until facial development is complete, and this is called pseudostrabismus. However, the distinction must be made by an eye physician, and if strabismus is present, treatment is absolutely necessary. Otherwise, this condition can lead to amblyopia, which causes permanent vision loss."

Misconception: Tearing in babies is natural

Fact: There is a small opening in the inner part of the lower eyelid near the nose that opens into the nasal cavity. This channel, called the tear duct or lacrimal passage, is sometimes not fully open in newborns, and tearing can be accompanied by recurrent crusting in the eye. Dr. Emre Sübay notes that treatment may involve daily massage to open the channel and application of antibiotic drops if crusting is present. "Nasal duct obstructions that do not resolve by 18 months of age are opened under general anesthesia using a method called probing. Therefore, tearing in the eyes should always be evaluated by an ophthalmologist," he states.

Misconception: Light flashes are natural and resolve over time

Fact: Light flashes, which can be a warning sign of retinal tears, are a condition that must be checked by an ophthalmologist. For this reason, they should not be taken lightly and an ophthalmologist must be consulted immediately.

Misconception: Eating lots of carrots sharpens vision

Fact: Vitamin A in carrots is needed for cells in the retina that detect light. Vitamin A deficiency impairs night vision. However, consuming excess vitamin A has no effect on visual sharpness. Balanced nutrition is sufficient for eye health.