Busting Myths About Eyesight

Doing your research before choosing to have laser eye surgery makes sense. That’s why at BoydVision, we love answering questions and dispelling myths that people carry around vision and laser eye surgery in general. It is our goal to help you make an informed choice about how laser eye surgery might solve your vision problems. That said, let’s take a look at some fun questions about eyesight.

Do carrots help your eyesight?

The answer is yes. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene which the body uses to produce Vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential to corneal health⏤in fact, the cornea literally can disappear if the body doesn’t get enough Vitamin A!

Does eye colour affect sight?

No, but even though the colour of your eyes does not affect your eyesight, it may affect your sensitivity to light. Simply put, the higher the concentration of pigmented cells in your iris (the darker your eye colour), the more “shade” your eyes will have. So, those with darker coloured eyes tend to experience less discomfort in bright, sunny environments. This is why wearing sunglasses is always a good idea.

Is eye twitching a cause for concern?

No. Generally, when your eye twitches, there are a few reasons for it which are easy to adjust:

  • Alcohol intake
  • Bright light
  • Excessive caffeine
  • Stress
  • Wind or air pollution

If you are especially bothered by eye twitching, it may be time to consult a doctor to rule out any other problems.

Are all babies born with blue eyes?

No, it’s simply a myth that all babies across the globe have blue eyes at birth. In fact, worldwide more babies have brown eyes than blue!

As for the science of it, babies’ eyes change colour slowly over the first weeks and months of their lives as light hits their eyes. At birth, a baby may have eyes that appear grey or blue mostly due to a lack of pigment caused by being in the darkness of the womb. And, while the rate of colour change does slow down after 6 months, a baby’s eye colour can still change after this time.

Are Christmas laser lights safe for the eyes?

It depends. A laser is considered dangerous when it surpasses five milliwatts of power. Stronger than five milliwatts and the natural protective mechanisms of the eyes are rendered ineffective. Severe retinal damage can occur! Most laser toys and lights have vague labels or lack labels altogether and so it can be difficult to tell whether something is safe. Best practice for protecting eyesight is to avoid looking straight into laser lights of any kind and to keep watch over kids if they are playing close to Christmas laser lights.

Still looking for answers?

If you have outstanding questions on eyesight and laser eye surgery, we would be happy to arrange a free consultation with the surgeon at our leading clinic in Vancouver. Dr. Boyd will sit down with you to answer questions and provide guidance on which procedure is the best option for you. Contact our laser eye clinic today to book your appointment!