1 Sitting too close to the TV will ruin your eyes
There is no evidence that sitting close to the television will permanently damage your vision. However sitting close so you can see the picture more clearly may be a sign of short sight. If you or your children are doing this then get your eyes checked.
2 You don’t need to get a sight test unless you show some symptoms
A number of eye conditions, for example open angle glaucoma, may not show any noticeable symptoms at all until damage is done and it is too late to reverse. Regular check-ups are absolutely vital so get your eyes tested every two years.
3 Eating carrots will improve your vision
It is true that carrots are rich in vitamin A which is important for a healthy diet and essential for sight but so are many other foods. Foods containing eye-friendly nutrients include green leafy vegetables, oily fish such as salmon and citrus fruits.
4 There is nothing I can do about my sight getting worse as I age
Our eyes slowly lose the ability to focus as part of the natural ageing process. However there are lots of things you can do to keep your vision clear as you get older. Make sure you have regular sight tests to pick up any eye conditions.
5 My child is too young to read so can’t have a sight test
Your child is never too young to have a sight test. Screening to check sight takes place in many schools. Sight tests for children are also available at opticians and are paid for by the NHS.
6 Wearing glasses all the time will cause your eyes to deteriorate more quickly
Your eyes will not grow weaker as a result of wearing corrective lenses. Your prescription may change over time but it is not because of your current prescription.
David Cartwright is a spokesman for National Eye Health Week which runs until Sunday. For more information and advice visit www.visionmatters.org.uk