In the world of eye health, there’s plenty of misinformation out there stemming from people’s desire to protect their eyesight. It’s important to be able to distinguish between myths and reality to ensure you’re taking the proper steps to keep your eyes healthy. 

Keep reading to learn the truth behind six pervasive myths about eye health and vision. 

Myth #1: You Can Improve Your Vision by Eating Carrots

You’ve probably heard somewhere that eating carrots is a good way to improve your vision. Maybe your parents even told you this when you were a child to get you to eat your vegetables. However, it’s not that simple. 

This myth originated during World War II when, in an attempt to conceal their use of aircraft interception radar, the Royal Air Force claimed its pilots could strike down enemy bombers at night because they ate carrots to improve their night vision. 

Carrots contain beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness or other vision problems, which means that correcting the deficiency can reverse certain issues. However, for people whose eyes are already healthy, eating carrots won’t improve their vision — it will simply help them maintain it. 

Myth #2: If You Cross Your Eyes, They’ll Get Stuck Like That

Many children are told that if they cross their eyes, they’ll get stuck like that. This myth likely originated as a way to discourage children from making funny faces during inappropriate times; however, it’s not based in truth. 

Your eye muscles allow your eyes to move in all directions, including convergently (what happens when you cross your eyes). Voluntarily crossing your eyes won’t result in them getting stuck. There are conditions that can result in crossed eyes, but they have nothing to do with making a silly face every once in a while. 

Myth #3: People With Color Blindness See in Black and White

When you imagine what color blindness might be like, you may envision a world that resembles a black-and-white movie. While rare, complete color blindness can occur. However, in the vast majority of cases, people with color blindness can still see at least some color. 

The most common form of color blindness is an inability to distinguish between red and green. Blue-yellow color vision deficiency is less common. 

Myth #4: Sitting Too Close to the TV Can Harm Your Eyes

As children, many people are told not to sit too close to the TV, as doing so can damage their eyes. In reality, there’s not anything to worry about besides temporary eye strain. 

This myth likely stems from a misunderstanding of cause and effect. If your child tends to sit close to the TV or bring screens close to their face, it may indicate that they’re nearsighted and may not be able to clearly see things at farther distances. In this case, nearsightedness is the cause, and sitting close to the TV is the effect. 

Myth #5: Reading in the Dark Can Harm Your Eyes

If you stayed up past your bedtime as a kid, nose buried in a book you just couldn’t put down, your parents probably warned you that reading in the dark can damage your eyesight. While it’s true that reading in low light can cause eye strain and headaches, there’s no evidence that it leads to long-term damage. 

Still, it’s not a good idea to read in the dark for extended periods of time, as it’s not particularly easy or comfortable. Turn on a lamp the next time a page-turner keeps you up late into the night. 

Myth #6: Wearing Glasses with the Wrong Prescription Can Harm Your Eyes

When adults wear glasses with the wrong prescription, they may experience eye strain, blurred vision, fatigue, soreness in the eyes, and trouble concentrating. However, these effects are temporary and aren’t likely to cause any lasting damage. 

Children, on the other hand, are more susceptible to harm due to an improper prescription. Because their vision is still developing, wearing glasses with the wrong prescription can worsen astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia. If you suspect your child’s glasses aren’t right for them, it’s important to get an updated prescription as soon as possible. 

Trust the Experts at Wolcott Optical

At Wolcott Optical, we’re experts in all things glasses and contacts. If it’s time to upgrade your vision aids, trust our team to provide solutions tailored to your needs. Come visit our store in Salt Lake City, Utah, today!

Pupillary distance (PD) describes the distance between your pupils. This measurement is essential for getting the right pair of glasses, as it affects their fit and comfort, your vision clarity, and how the lenses align with your eyes. 

If you’re wondering about the mysterious PD number on your prescription, keep reading to learn what pupillary distance is, why it matters, how to measure it, and the risks of it being wrong. 

What Is Pupillary Distance (PD)?

There’s two types of pupillary distance: single and dual. Single PD is often used for single-vision glasses and measures distance between the centers of your pupils in millimeters. Since everyone’s face is different, this number is important for aligning lenses correctly with your eyes. 

For adults, the pupillary distance is typically between 54 and 74 millimeters. Children’s PD is shorter, usually between 43 and 58 millimeters. 

Dual PD consists of two numbers — one for each eye. Typically used for progressive or multifocal lenses, it measures each eye’s distance from the center of the nose bridge. This number may be the same for each eye, or it may be slightly different. 

Why Is PD Important?

You may be thinking, Millimeters are so small. Will a measurement that’s off by just a few millimeters actually make a difference? Well, the answer is yes! A correct pupillary distance measurement ensures that the lenses are centered and that vision correction is optimal. It affects how natural and comfortable your glasses feel.

PD is especially critical for progressive, multifocal, and high-index lenses, which rely on correct alignment to correct your vision. If it’s off, even by a little bit, it can cause headaches, eye strain, and blurred vision. 

How to Measure Pupillary Distance

Eye doctors and opticians typically measure pupillary distance during eye exams. This is the most accurate option, as they have specialized equipment and training. However, it’s not always included on your prescription, so if you’re buying glasses online, you may not have all the information you need to place an order. 

Luckily, you can also measure your PD at home by following these steps:

1. Stand in front of a mirror. 
2. Grab a ruler and identify which side measures millimeters and which measures inches. 
3. Hold the ruler in line with your pupils, centimeter-side up, and measure the distance between the centers of your pupils. For dual PD, measure the distance between the center of each pupil and the nose bridge.
4. Calculate your PD. Each of the tiny marks on the ruler is a millimeter, and there are 10 of them per centimeter. So if the measurement is two ticks past 5 centimeters, that means your pupillary distance is 52. 

There are also mobile apps and digital tools designed to measure pupillary distance. 

If you measure your PD at home, it’s a good idea to take a few measurements throughout the day and find the average. Your PD can change slightly based on light conditions and how dilated your eyes are, and finding the average can account for any variations in measurement methods. 

What Happens If Your PD Is Wrong?

Now that you know why pupillary distance matters, you can probably guess what can happen if the measurements are wrong. Because the lenses don’t align correctly with your eyes, you may experience blurred or distorted vision, eye strain and fatigue, and difficulty adjusting to your new glasses.

An accurate pupillary distance measurement is especially important with stronger prescriptions, bifocals, progressive lenses, and high-index lenses. If the measurement is off, even by a little bit, your glasses won’t have the intended effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Find My PD on My Prescription?

Some eye doctors include PD as part of your prescription, while others don’t. You may have to have it measured when you purchase your glasses. 

Do I Need to Re-Measure PD Every Time I Get New Glasses?

Adults’ PD doesn’t typically change; however, it’s a good idea to measure again just in case. Children who are still growing should measure their PD every time they get new glasses or lenses. 

Is It Okay to Estimate PD?

No, it’s not advisable to estimate your PD. Exact measurements are crucial for optimal vision correction.

Find the Perfect Glasses for You at Wolcott Optical

At Wolcott Optical, we’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect pair of glasses. From fit to lens shape to pupillary distance, we’ll ensure your glasses are right for you. Come visit our store in Salt Lake City, Utah, today!

Finding the perfect glasses is no small feat. In our last blog post, we explored tips for finding frames that flatter your face, focusing on aesthetics. However, the way they look is not the only thing that matters in the quest for the perfect glasses. 

Even the most stylish or high-quality glasses in the world won’t perform well if they don’t fit right. They must also fit properly in order to be comfortable, help you see clearly, and protect your long-term eye health. If you’re wondering how to tell whether your glasses fit properly, keep reading to find out. 

Why Fit Matters

First, let’s talk about why a proper fit matters. Think about what it would be like to wear an ill-fitting pair of shoes. You’d spend all day battling blisters, tripping over your own feet, or struggling to get around. 

Glasses are the same — when they don’t fit properly, they can cause problems that affect your everyday life, including headaches, ear pressure, and nose pain. Incorrect positioning on your face affects the lens alignment, inhibiting your ability to see clearly. This is especially true with progressive lenses or bifocals, which require precise positioning. 

Plus, when glasses constantly slip down your face, they may fall off and break. On the other hand, if they’re too tight, it places excess stress on the materials, leading to increased wear and making them less durable. 

Finally, if your glasses fit properly, they sit naturally on your face, enhancing your overall look. 

Factors That Affect Fit

Glasses frames are not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your nose bridge width, the distance between your pupils, how far back your ears are, and the width of your face, certain glasses may not fit you quite right. 

Fortunately, there are adjustments that can be made to improve the fit of your glasses, including bending the nose pads, tightening or loosening the arms, or manipulating the shape of the frames. 

Signs Your Glasses Fit Properly

If you want to know whether your glasses fit properly, look for these signs:

• They stay in place: Your glasses shouldn’t slide down your nose or move when you turn your head. 
• No pinching or pressure: There shouldn’t be any discomfort behind your ears or on the bridge of your nose. 
• Eyes are centered in lenses: Your pupils should align horizontally with the centers of the lenses. 
• Proper temple arm length: The arms should fit your ears without curving too early or extending too far. 
• Lenses sit at the right height: The top of the lenses should be at or just below your eyebrows. 

Signs Your Glasses Don’t Fit Properly

On the flip side, the signs that your glasses don’t fit properly include:

• Frequent slipping or tightness: If your glasses are constantly sliding around, they’re too loose. If they leave red marks on your face, they’re too tight. 
• Tilted frames: If the glasses sit crooked on your face or the lenses appear uneven, they don’t fit right. 
• Visual distortion: An incorrect fit can make your vision seem off, even if the prescription is correct. 
• Headaches or eye strain: Misaligned lenses or frames that put pressure on your face can lead to headaches or eye strain. 
• Difficulty wearing them for long periods: You shouldn’t feel relief when taking your glasses off — they should be comfortable to wear all day long. 

What to Do If Your Glasses Don’t Fit Properly

If you suspect your glasses don’t fit properly, stop by the store you bought them from for professional adjustments. Don’t try to adjust them yourself — the delicate components can break without the proper tools and expertise. Additionally, consider adjustable nose pads or memory metal frames for a more customized fit. 

If you still face persistent discomfort after adjustments, your prescription has changed and refitting isn’t possible, or the frames are too worn to adjust properly, it’s time to get a new pair of glasses that fits properly. 

Find Glasses That Fit Properly at Wolcott Optical

Glasses that fit properly will provide comfort, stability, and clear vision. If you’re wondering whether your glasses fit right, stop by Wolcott Optical for a fitting check or adjustment. And if it’s time for a new pair, our team would love to help you explore stylish frames that are as comfortable as they are flattering, ensuring you find the perfect fit.