Many myths surround the use of spectacles or eyeglasses as it is most often called. Some of which includes:
- Wearing glasses will spoil your eyes.
- Wearing glasses for a long period will make you dependent on them.
- Only those that have terrible vision use glasses.
- Wearing glasses will “correct” your vision.
- Glasses are only for professors, “efikos” and those that like to read.
None of these myths are true.
Glasses do not spoil your eyes or make you dependent on them. They only help you see better.
Glasses do not “correct” your vision. The correction is only when you put on your glasses. When the glasses are removed, your eyes are back to their original vision. Imagine a 5ft tall lady who decides to wear heels to appear a little taller for an event. After the party, she takes of her heels and she’s back to her normal 5ft height. The same with your glasses, once you put it on you see optimally and clearly. Once you take it off, your eyes are back to their normal vision.
Who should have their eyes checked for refractive errors?
Newborns and infantsSchool childrenChildren complaining of difficulty reading from the board or squinting to read from the board.Those who miscalls letters or skip lines or letters when reading or writing Those who move close to the TV to see or read the subtitlesChildren who abandon, avoid or dislike reading or lose concentration when doing near tasks Those who constantly rub their eyes/tilt their head/close one eye when looking at an objectsThose above 40 years.Those who have difficulty seeing distance or near objects.Everyone including you. Yes, you!!
Ensure that your eyes are properly checked by an eye care professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist) at least once a year. Remember your eyes are the mirror to the soul and the lamp of the body; do well to take adequate care of them.