Certain myths about the eyes have been around so for long, we tend to accept them as truth. But believing the myths can deprive us of the full enjoyment of our sight. Here are ten vision myths or truths! Do you know the difference?

Eyes cannot be transplanted.
Fact. Transplanting whole eyes is a medical impossibility today, because of the thread that connects the eyes to the brain. This connection is called the optic nerve, and it cannot be severed.

You can get pinkeye only from someone else who has it.
Fiction. Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is a condition in which the lining of the eyelid gets inflamed. It can be caused by anything that inflames the tissues, such as irritants, allergies, or an infection.

Older people should not use their eyes too much or attempt to read fine print, for fear of wearing their eyes out too soon.
Fiction. Using your eyes does not cause or hasten vision loss.

Some birds, such as parakeets and penguins, can see into the ultraviolet range.
Fact. Many insects can as well.

Mosquitoes can see into the infrared range, so humans appear to light up to them, even in the dark.
Fact. To a mosquito at night, you look like a neon diner sign!

Wearing your glasses every day will make your eyes lazy or weak.
Fiction. The goal of vision correction is two-fold: one, to provide clear eyesight, and two, to provide visual comfort. Some eyes can see adequately without vision correction but only by exerting unnecessary effort. This can cause fatigue, discomfort, and loss of visual acuity. Wearing properly prescribed eyeglasses will not in any way accelerate the natural and expected changes your eyes will undergo throughout your lifetime.

Eyeglasses change the shape of the eye.
Fiction. Glasses do not change the shape of the eye. The eye undergoes slight natural changes in shape with age, and these might increase or decrease depending on the growth of the eye.

It's okay to look directly at the sun if you squint or look through the "slits" of your eyes.
Fiction. UV light from the sun can cause sunburn of your skin and the cornea of your eyes, which is called "photokeratitis." Over a long time, it can increase your chance of cataracts (a clouding of the lens of the eye) and damage to your retina that might lead to total blindness. Sunscreen protects your skin from overexposure to UV rays. Proper lenses can safely block UV radiation and protect your eyes.

All red eyes are the result of infections.
Fiction. In reality, most cases of itchy, red eyes are due to allergies or "dry eye syndrome," which are unaffected by antibiotics that treat bacterial infections.

Wearing the wrong glasses might tire your eyes, but it is not harmful.
Fact. You will not be able to see as well or as comfortably as you should with the wrong glasses, but wearing them will not cause any permanent harm.