The Truth Behind Glasses and Myopia Progression in Children

Parents often wonder if their child's myopia, or nearsightedness, can be slowed through the use of glasses. While glasses do not prevent the progression of myopia, they do enable better vision clarity, which is a critical aspect of learning and everyday life. Let's delve into the facts and misunderstandings surrounding this topic.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition where the eye's eyeball grows too long, focusing light in front of the retina instead of directly on it. By Ben Wilkinson FRCSC in 2020, it is believed to be primarily a hereditary condition that develops with age and stabilizes at around the age of 17-21. With an increase in global myopia rates, research has turned to understanding the precise reasons behind this trend.

The Role of Diet and Growth

One theory, supported by Ben Wilkinson, suggests that changes in diet—such as the move to a more Westernized diet with more protein and less rice—are contributing factors. A notable example is the shift in Japanese society. Before World War I, Japanese people were generally of smaller stature and less frequently needed glasses. However, with their diet changing to include more protein and thus promoting faster growth and taller stature, myopia became more prevalent. This increase in myopia coincides with the improvement in visual acuity associated with taller stature.

The Limitations of Current Treatments

There is currently no known method to control eye growth, which means myopia is untreatable. However, once growth has ceased, surgical options like LASIK can be considered. It is crucial to differentiate between myopia and pseudomyopia. Pseudomyopia occurs when focusing muscles cannot relax, and it can be diagnosed using dilating drops that temporarily paralyze these muscles.

Glasses vs. Myopia Progression

Parents often ask whether wearing glasses can slow down the progression of myopia. The answer is no. Glasses do not prevent myopia from getting worse; they simply allow the child to see clearly. Wearers can still develop myopia, but the glasses ensure that their vision remains clear, allowing them to perform necessary tasks and learn effectively.

The Mechanics Behind Glasses

Glasses help in two ways. First, they correct the refractive error associated with myopia by focusing light correctly on the retina. Second, they enable the eyes to behave normally when they are relaxed. When an object moves closer, the eyes naturally use muscular accommodation to keep the object in focus. Wearing glasses does not affect the rate of myopia progression, as the eye's growth and development determine this.

Myopia and High Prescription Risks

High myopia, with prescriptions of -6.00D or higher, poses additional risks. These risks include certain complications associated with the tension between the sclera (the outer layer of the eye) and the retina (the light-sensitive inner layer). Surgical interventions like LASIK can help address these issues by altering the curvature of the cornea.

Choosing Whether to Wear Glasses

Parents and children may wonder whether they should wear glasses constantly or only when needed. The decision to wear glasses all the time is often recommended for those who use them frequently, as it ensures better vision and reduces the chances of losing the glasses or damaging them. It is also advised to remove glasses for activities like swimming, bathing, or sleeping, as these settings do not require visual correction.

Conclusion

In summary, while glasses do not prevent myopia from getting worse, they significantly improve the child's ability to see clearly. The focus should be on addressing the underlying genetics and dietary factors that contribute to myopia progression. As with any condition, it is always best to consult an eye care professional for personalized advice and treatment options.