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Nearly everyone gets told that if they sit too close to the television, their eyes will be damaged.
But is there any truth behind such rumours?
No, is the answer from Dr Mark Borchert, division head of The Vision Center at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
Instead, Dr Borchert says, sitting too close to the television is more likely indicative of an inherent eye problem.
"If a child is sitting too close to the TV or computer screen, it is probably because he needs glasses to see well," he said.
"Sitting very close to the screen will not cause them to need glasses."
Dr Borchert also debunked a similar myth that only adults can wear contact lenses safely.
Children aged over ten, he suggested, are perfectly capable of wearing, cleaning and inserting lenses themselves.
"If they make their own bed and shower on their own, they can probably safely handle their contact lenses," he said.
Dr Borchert's comments could encourage more parents to consider
ortho k lenses for their children.
Ortho k lenses are different from normal lenses as they are only worn at night.
While asleep, they gently reshape the cornea of the eye and once awoken, they can be removed and the wearer has
natural vision for the rest of the day, without the need for any additional visual paraphernalia.
They are a great choice for kids who enjoy sport or simply do not want to wear glasses to school.
For parents
ortho k lenses are good too, as it means that they can be involved in the daily putting in and taking out routines.
By Steve Leng
