SigMT

84 | SIGNATURE MONTANA 1. Myth: "Astigmatism is a disease." Fact: Astigmatism is not a disease. It is merely a variation in the shape of the eye's cornea or lens, contributing to refractive error. Like nearsightedness or farsightedness, astigmatism can cause blurred vision at all distances. Fortunately, it is easily correctable with prescription glasses or contact lenses. Most people have some degree of astigmatism, and it is a routine part of an eye prescription. 2. Myth: "If your eyes are red and goopy, you have pink eye." Fact: Red, goopy eyes do not always indicate pink eye (conjunctivitis), a specific and contagious viral infection. Various conditions can cause similar symptoms, including allergic conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, contact lens-related corneal ulcers, and herpes infections. If your eyes are red and especially if they are painful, it's essential to consult an eye care professional for an accurate diagnosis. 3. Myth: " Wearing glasses makes your vision worse." Fact: Wearing glasses does not worsen your vision. Glasses correct refractive errors while worn but do not affect your vision once removed. e apparent blurriness aer taking off glasses is due to the contrast; your brain becomes accustomed to the clarity provided by the lenses, making everything seem blurrier without them. 4. Myth: "Don't put sunscreen on your eyelids." Fact: Eyelids are one of the most common areas for skin cancer development. It is essential to protect them with sunscreen. Choose a mineral-based sunscreen that won't sting your eyes, avoiding harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, alcohol, and fragrance. Recommended brands include AlumierMD, NuSkin, and Epionce. 5. Myth: "Contact lenses can get lost behind your eye." Fact: Contact lenses cannot get lost behind your eye. A layer of tissue called the orbital septum separates the eyelids from the orbit, preventing anything from geing behind the eye. Misplaced contact lenses may slip under the upper eyelid but can be easily retrieved. 6. Myth: "Contact lenses only need to be replaced when they no longer feel good." Fact: Contact lenses should be replaced according to the schedule your eye care professional prescribes, not based on comfort alone. e FDA tests contact lenses to determine safe wear duration and oxygen permeability. Over time, lenses accumulate debris, hindering oxygen transmission and potentially causing inflammation or corneal ulcers. Adhering to the recommended disposal schedule is crucial for eye health. 7. Myth: "If you can see fine, your eyes are healthy." Fact: Good vision does not necessarily mean healthy eyes. Numerous conditions can damage your eyes without affecting your vision, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts. Regular eye exams are vital for detecting and managing these issues early, preserving both vision and overall eye health. Dispelling these myths is essential for maintaining proper eye health. Always seek advice from eye care professionals and rely on credible sources for information. Regular check-ups and adhering to prescribed care routines can help ensure your eyes remain healthy and your v ision clear. Dr. Justine Redlin, co-owner of Treasure State Eye Care. Residency-trained in ocular disease management. Specializing in dry eye disease, comprehensive vision care, contact lens fittings and surgery co-management. S MT TO YOUR HEALTH DR. JUSTINE REDLIN Debunking Common Eye Myths: An Expert's Perspective In today 's digital age, the abundance of information available online and on social media can sometimes spread misconceptions and myths. As a dedicated eye care professional, I aim to dispel some of the most common myths about eye health. By providing accurate information, I hope to help individuals beer understand and care for their eyes. In this article, I will address and debunk several prevalent myths related to eye health.

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