We get asked questions all of the time, such as, “Can you improve eyesight naturally without glasses?” or “Is staring at a computer for too long bad for your vision?” There are a slew of eyesight beliefs and many just aren’t correct. We’ll address seven common eyesight myths to separate fact from fiction.

1. Myth: There are Natural Ways to Improve Eyesight Without Contact Lenses or Glasses.

False. When debunking eyesight myths, this one usually comes first on the list. So many of us wish for a way to stop eyes from getting worse or to improve eyesight naturally . The truth is, vision tends to worsen with age and nothing will make you see more clearly if you need glasses or contact lenses.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) studied whether or not techniques like massage, muscle relaxation, supplements and eye exercises could improve eyesight without glasses. When the study participants’ vision was tested there was no change. Though some reported their nearsightedness had improved, the AAO said it was a placebo effect. The organization also researched whether acupuncture improved eyesight and concluded there was not enough evidence to support the claim.

2. Myth: Staring at a Computer or TV for Too Long Will Ruin Your Vision.

True and false. Sitting extremely close to the television or staring at a computer screen for hours on end without a break isn’t great for your eyes. The close range can lead to eyestrain. In addition, staring without blinking, which is common when using a computer, can cause blurred vision, headaches, discomfort and dry eye. A study published in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics found that 64% to 90% of computer users experienced the aforementioned symptoms. Follow the 20-20-20 rule, which states you should look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

While some of these effects don’t cause long term damage, some new studies have found that the blue light (visible light that is close to UV on the light spectrum) emitted from devices such as tablets, smartphones and computer screens, can eventually lead to conditions like age-related macular degeneration. Crizal® Prevencia™, a lens created by Essilor, features a coating that protects the eyes from blue light. I use it myself and have noticed a huge improvement.

3. Myth: Wearing Glasses or Contact Lenses will Make Your Vision Worse Over Time and Leave you Dependent on them.

False. Wearing glasses or contacts in your correct prescription will not cause your eyesight to deteriorate. The only reason you’re dependent on them, is because you need them to see! People’s vision worsens as they get older and an individual who needed one prescription at the age of 20 will likely need a stronger prescription at the age of 60, regardless of whether or not they have used any form of vision correction.

This fallacy is so widespread, that for years, people thought children with myopia, or nearsightedness, should be given weaker glasses to slow down the progression and prevent dependence on eyeglasses. A 2002 study divided 94 children ages nine to 14 into two groups. The first group wore the correct eyeglass prescription while the other group wore ones that were too weak. Those who wore the weaker glasses actually experienced a slightly greater decline in eyesight.