Eye health is extremely important for people’s quality of life. For this reason; such erroneous information that we get from friends and family and social media, such as stye in the eye passes with garlic, cataract can be treated with drops, there is no need for routine eye control in children if there is no complaint, threatens our eye health.

Ophthalmology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özge Begüm Comba explained 10 erroneous information about eye health that is thought to be true in the society; made important suggestions and warnings. Pointing out that erroneous beliefs in the society can prevent early diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, she said, “Delay in the treatment of diseases can cause serious eye problems such as permanent vision loss in the future. For example, conjunctivitis, which is common in our country and popularly known as ‘red eye’ disease, can lead to visual defects and even loss of vision if not treated on time. In addition, in some diseases such as lazy eye, which can be completely eliminated with early diagnosis and treatment, children lose the chance of treatment when it is late. Myopia, which is quite common in our country, can also progress if not followed up regularly.”

Eye Number Increases as You Wear Glasses: False!

There is a widespread belief in the society that the eye number will progress as you wear glasses. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özge Begüm Comba pointed out that glasses are only an apparatus that allows us to see well and said, “Therefore, wearing glasses will not progress or stop the numbers. It is important to wear glasses especially in childhood for the visual system to work fully and completely. Because glasses are a part of the treatment of permanent conditions such as lazy eye.”

Red eye goes away with artificial tear treatment: False!

In conjunctivitis, one of the most common eye diseases in Turkey and popularly known as ‘red eye’, using only artificial tears or drops that have benefited others can cause serious problems. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özge Begüm Comba warned that if this disease is not treated on time, visual defects and vision loss may develop, “Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the membrane covering the inside of the eyelid and the most common source is viral and bacteria. It is of great importance that this picture is evaluated by a physician and the treatment is carried out in accordance with the causative agent. Otherwise, conjunctivitis may cause spots that may cause vision loss.”

It is Not Possible to Stop Eye Number: False!

The most important factors in the progression of eye number are genetic and environmental factors. In the light of scientific studies; limiting close work, resting the eyes by looking away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes and outdoor activities for at least 2 hours a day are recommended. In addition, until the age of 18, it is possible to stop the progression of the eye number thanks to drops that enlarge the pupil, special lenses and lenses that are used at night and shape the cornea.

Do Not Have Children Have an Eye Checkup If There Are No Symptoms: False!

Early diagnosis and treatment of serious problems such as cataracts and eye tumors are both visually and vitally important. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özge Begüm Comba said, “In addition, conditions such as lazy eye and strabismus may not be noticed by parents because they occur in one eye. In such diseases, it is very important to perform eye examinations in children at regular intervals starting from the first 2 months after birth, especially since there is a race against time.”

Cataract can be treated with drops: False!

Ophthalmologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özge Begüm Comba stated that the only known treatment method of cataract is surgery and continued as follows: “The intraocular lens that has aged and lost its transparency should be surgically removed and replaced with an artificial lens. However, of course, the progression of cataracts can be slowed down by reducing oxidative stress with methods such as healthy nutrition, regular blood sugar monitoring, and the use of sunglasses with UV blockage.”

Cataract is only seen in the elderly: False!

Although cataracts mostly develop in older people, they can also occur in childhood and infancy. Congenital cataracts can accompany various syndromes and can also be caused by infections in the womb and drug use. In childhood, it can also occur due to medications such as cortisone or accompany other diseases.

Eye pressure often causes eye pain: False!

Eye pressure is an extremely insidious disease. While it can sometimes manifest itself with a pain behind the eye, it often does not cause any pain. Closed angle glaucoma, on the other hand, has a more severe course and can cause serious pain due to sudden high eye pressure. Ophthalmologist Assoc. Dr. Özge Begüm Comba warns that eye pressure should be evaluated with annual follow-ups after the age of 40.

Eye diseases can be treated with herbal methods: False!

Applying garlic and lemon to any lesion in the eye, such as a stye, cannot give results and can be extremely dangerous as it can lead to different infections. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özge Begüm Comba says, “The most effective treatment method is to manage the process with the medications recommended by the physician, keeping warm dressing and eyelash hygiene at the forefront.”

There is no need to wear sunglasses in fall and winter: False!

The sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays reach the earth even in cloudy weather and are reflected from the shadows. In addition to harmful rays, wind can cause dry eyes. For this reason, it is of great importance to use sunglasses for your eye health not only in summer but in all seasons.

June 2024