Myths about the Eyes...

There are many myths-unproven or unscientific beliefs-about the eyes. You have probably heard such myths repeated since your childhood. Myths about the eye exist for every stage of life. These popular beliefs generally concern either of two categories: (1) the effect of outside influences on the normal eye or (2) eye diseases and their therapy. Some of these myths are discussed here.

Myth... Children outgrow crossed eyes.

Fact... Strabismus (crossed eyes) is not normal in children older than four months of age and will not go away by itself. Children who appear to have crossed eyes should have an eye examination as soon as possible. Children are never too young to have their eyes examined if they are experiencing a visual problem. An eye exam should be done by the family doctor, pediatrician, or ophthalmologist during infancy and preschool years.

© 1990 The University of Illinois at Chicago