A survey conducted by Sightsavers across almost 3000 people living in the rural West Bengal revealed that 27 per cent of the respondents believed poor eye sight to be a normal sign of ageing; 59 per cent did not believe that diabetes if untreated, could result in blindness and 45 per cent thought that new-borns could not have any serious eye conditions that needed any immediate attention.

India is the second most populous country in the world and is also home to nearly 23.5 per cent of the world’s blind population. A majority of the problem is attributed to suboptimal service provision and cost of care especially in rural areas. There is still a significant component of local myths and misbeliefs that prevent people to access care at the right time..

Myth 1: If you can see well then,there is no need to visit a doctor.

Fact: A routine annual check-up is recommended for all, especially for children irrespective of whether they complain of eye symptoms or not. In most cases children are able to manage with poor eyesight till quite late and the only manifestations are lack of interest in studies or mild headache. Amongst adults, there are some diseases like Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy that may sneak in without much symptoms in early stages. Delay in presentation to the doctor is one of the most common causes of poor treatment outcome for many eye diseases.

Myth 2: Using spectacles will increase your (or your child’s) specs number and eventually, it will lead us to being dependent on them.

Fact: A pair of glasses is the simplest and safest option for managing refractive errors (inability to focus clearly) which is by far a common eye complaint.Wearing the right kind of glasses as prescribed has no negative implication on the eyes or the specs number. Depending on one’s age and type of refractive errors, the eye sight might either reduce or remain stable but one should always wear the prescribed glasses as directed.

Myth 3: Alldisplay devices such as mobile phones, laptops, television are bad for the eyes.

Fact-Although all visual display units (ones that have a screen) can affect the eyes if viewed for long durations, they cannot be labelled as all bad. By adjusting the viewing distance, brightness, ambient light, limiting viewing time, taking frequent breaks in between and using anti-glare (UV screen) devices we can use these in the right kind of way without damaging the eyes.

Myth 4: To keep the eyes clean, one should wash them with water frequently.

Fact: Nature has its own way of cleansing the eyes by means of blinking and tears so, one does not need to wash them too frequently. If you feel the urge to splash them with water frequently, you may be suffering from dry eyes and you should consult an eye doctor. One should also be wary of the quality of water being used.

Myth 5: Eye medications can be used without the expert’s consultation.

Fact: Some eye drops, if used without proper professional consultation can lead to flaring up of minor eye infections and even serious issues like glaucoma and cataract which can be potentially blinding. Even herbal remedies can cause significant discomfort or long term damage to eyes and thus should be avoided. One should only use medications as directed by a professional.

Myth 6: Eye exercises can reduce or eliminate the need for eye glasses.

Fact: They have no impact in reducing or impacting your need for power glasses. They might help only in strengthening the eye muscles.

The writer is Dr sandeep buttan , Global Technical Lead Eye Health ASIA Sightsavers