Must-read for your child's eye health! Authoritative answers to parents' top 12

Are the preventive measures for myopia and astigmatism the same? What are the differences?

A: The most effective way to prevent myopia is outdoor activities during the day. Two hours of daily exposure to natural light can significantly reduce the occurrence and progression of myopia. Additionally, low-dose atropine or orthokeratology lenses can also help delay myopia progression.

Astigmatism, unlike myopia, is primarily caused by an irregular curvature of the eye's front surface (cornea), making it more oval than round. Most astigmatism is congenital and rarely progresses, whereas myopia can worsen over time.

When does pseudomyopia turn into true myopia? What defines pseudomyopia?

A: Pseudomyopia is caused by eye fatigue—the eye's focusing muscle (like a spring) gets stuck and cannot relax. Rest or cycloplegic drops can help it recover. True myopia, however, results from structural changes in the eye (e.g., elongated eyeball) and is irreversible. A cycloplegic refraction test at a hospital can determine whether a child has pseudomyopia or true myopia.

Can eye drops prevent eye fatigue in children?

A: The main cause of eye fatigue in children is excessive near work. Rest and outdoor activities are the best remedies. Preservative-free artificial tears can help, but natural breaks are essential.

Is glasses correction necessary for true myopia? Can massage, eye drops, or devices cure it?

A: Children with true myopia should wear glasses as prescribed. Intermittent use or avoiding glasses can accelerate myopia progression (e.g., untreated 200-degree myopia may jump to 500 degrees in a year).

True myopia is irreversible—no massage, eye drops, or devices can shorten an elongated eyeball. False claims not only waste money but also delay proper intervention, worsening myopia.

Must children undergo cycloplegic refraction for glasses?

A: Yes. Cycloplegic refraction is safe and critical for accurate prescriptions. Without it, pseudomyopia may be missed, leading to incorrect glasses (e.g., a child might be wrongly prescribed lenses for 100-degree myopia that disappears after dilation).

Does wearing glasses worsen myopia?

A: No. Glasses slow myopia progression. Uncorrected myopia progresses fastest, while orthokeratology (OK lenses) slows it most effectively.

Should glasses be worn full-time or only when needed?

A: Full-time wear slows progression better than intermittent use, which strains the eyes and accelerates myopia.

How do astigmatism and myopia differ? Can astigmatism be cured?

A: Astigmatism is mostly congenital (due to corneal irregularity) and stable. Glasses or surgery (later in life) can correct it. Myopia, influenced by genetics and environment (e.g., screen time), can progress.

How effective are orthokeratology (OK) lenses?

A: OK lenses reduce myopia progression by 50–60%. They temporarily correct vision (no daytime glasses) and slow progression (e.g., from 100 to 40–50 degrees/year). Hygiene is crucial for safety.

How strong is the genetic link for myopia vs. astigmatism?

A: Genetics play a significant role, especially in high myopia (50–90% heritability). Astigmatism is less hereditary.

How to prevent pseudomyopia from becoming true myopia or low myopia from worsening?

A: Daily outdoor activity (2 hours), limited near work, and regular breaks are key. Once myopia occurs, glasses or OK lenses can slow progression.

Should children get glasses immediately after a myopia diagnosis?

A: Yes. Delaying correction for low myopia (even 75 degrees) can lead to rapid progression, amblyopia, or strabismus. Always get glasses from certified providers.