A new book by ophthalmologist, Dr Quresh Maskati, offers information on common eye ailments, eye care issue and myths in a simple Q&A format.

Can walking on grass reduce myopia? Ask the eye doctor

A new book by ophthalmologist, Dr Quresh Maskati, offers information on common eye ailments, eye care issue and myths in a simple Q&A format. Excerpts:

A: Ideally at 2.5 to 3 years of age and definitely before he turns 5. Problems like unequal spectacle number or a number only in one eye can be detected at a very young age and rectified. If the child has a problem only in one eye, a contact lens in that eye will prevent the development of a "lazy eye".

Q: Can the number be prevented from increasing?
A: There is no medically proven method to prevent the number from increasing, including the use of contact lenses. However, it is a fact that numbers, like height, are genetically pre-determined and so a child's minus number could stop increasing suddenly at say age 12.

Myths Busted

Q: Does walking on green grass with bare feet benefit the eyes?
A: There is no scientific basis for the belief that walking barefoot on green grass is good for the eyes. It is neither beneficial nor harmful for the eyes.

Q: What kind of diet is good for my child's eyes?
A: The normal Indian vegetarian diet with pulses, vegetables, chapatis and rice contains adequate amounts of Vitamin A for the growing child as do all non-vegetarian diets. If the child is a fussy eater, does not eat home-cooked food adequately or has only junk food, he will probably not have the right levels of Vitamin A in his body. In such cases, giving him two glasses of milk everyday is recommended. Be warned, too much of Vitamin A, such as daily doses of carrot juice, can actually harm the child. It can result in a higher incidence of sterility in males in adulthood.

On Contact Lenses

Q: If I am happy with my lenses, do I need to see an eye doctor at all? Why not buy replacement lenses directly from the shop?
A: You should see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you have no problem with your lenses. Ideally, your lenses should be off for at least 48 hours before you visit him. This enables him to recheck your spectacle/ contact lens number with greater accuracy. He also looks for early signs of trouble such as dryness and allergies.

Simplifying Eyecare, Dr Quresh B Maskati, Popular Prakashan, Rs 95. Available at all leading bookstores.

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