Common eye myths debunked: From colour blindness to cataracts

Hyderabad: Eye health is surrounded by countless myths that can confuse patients and delay proper care. From colour blindness to cataracts, misconceptions often spread faster than the facts.

Dr Sirisha Asmath, Consultant Ophthalmologist at KIMS Hospital, Gachibowli, clears the air on some of the most common eye-related myths.

Myth 1: People with colour blindness see only black and white

Fact: Colour blindness does not mean living in a black-and-white world.

The human eye identifies three primary colours - red, green, and blue. Colour blindness occurs when a person cannot recognise even one of these.

“Protanopia, deuteranopia and tritanopia are the three types,” explained Dr Asmath. “The most common is red-green colour blindness, where distinguishing green is difficult.”

Men are more frequently affected than women, and many people don’t even realise they are colour blind.

Myth 2: Eye exercises can cure all vision problems

Fact: Eye exercises have limited benefits.

“It’s a myth that exercises can correct most eye problems,” said Dr Asmath. Conditions like myopia (nearsightedness) and presbyopia (age-related reading difficulty) do not improve with exercise.

Only in rare cases of hyperopia (farsightedness) can targeted exercises reduce the dependence on glasses, but even that is not guaranteed.

Myth 3: Cataract can be treated with eye drops

Fact: Surgery is the only solution for cataracts.

“Many believe that using special drops can melt away a cataract. That is completely false,” Dr Asmath clarifies.

Cataract surgery remains the definitive treatment. “If drops that truly dissolved cataracts existed, we ophthalmologists would be the happiest people,” she added.

Myth 4: Conjunctivitis (pink eye) spreads just by looking at an infected person

Fact: Conjunctivitis is contagious, but not through eye contact.

“It doesn’t spread simply by seeing someone with red eyes,” Dr Asmath explained. The infection spreads through touch when a person comes into contact with the discharge and then touches their own eyes.

Dark glasses are advised to prevent touching or rubbing the eyes, not to stop transmission by sight.

Myth 5: You can stop wearing spectacles once your eyes ‘adjust’

Fact: Once prescribed, spectacles must be worn consistently.

“Many think they can discard their glasses after a while, but that’s a myth,” said Dr Asmath.

Skipping spectacles or failing to wear them properly can even lead to an increase in power. Consistent use is key to maintaining stable vision.

Myth 6: Reading in dim light damages your eyes

Fact: Poor lighting causes strain and headaches, but does not damage eyesight.

“Your eyes may feel tired and you might experience discomfort,” explained Dr Asmath, “but the structure of the eye remains unharmed.”

Myth 7: Eating carrots will cure all eye problems

Fact: Carrots are healthy, but they are not a miracle cure.

“Carrots provide vitamin A, which is good for eye health, but they cannot fix underlying conditions or cure diseases,” said Dr Asmath.

A balanced diet and regular eye check-ups remain essential for long-term eye health.

The takeaway

Eye myths can lead to unnecessary worry - or worse, delayed treatment.

“Regular eye examinations, timely use of prescribed glasses and proper medical care are far more effective than any home remedy or myth,” Dr Asmath emphasised.

By understanding the facts and letting go of common misconceptions, you can protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy for years to come.